Weather conditions have an influence on most things, especially on the sporting side of life. The effects that it has in this area is varied. Depending on the situation, the specific event may still be able to continue, whilst at other times, all activity will be halted. Excessive temperatures for example are a big concern during sporting events. It not only influences the performance of the players but also affect the spectators and officials. Very high temperatures can lead to heatstroke and similar conditions whilst very low temperatures can send one into hypothermia. in most instances, the variable sporting codes have regulations governing the temperature specifications for their events.
Weathering the international soccer storm
The game of soccer has a global reach. It is played all over the world and would therefore incur all types of weather conditions. These can include anything from your scorching tropical summers to the very cold northern winters. All of these influence gameplay and training and forces coaches and players to adapt accordingly. Consider rain for instance. A rain-soaked pitch can really turn things around in this fast-paced sport.
Players will now have to shift their focus to better ball control and composure. The wet ball itself also poses certain challenges. Passing accuracy gets affected and goal keepers have more difficulty managing this. Here is where coaching strategies also play a role. Some of the coaches will refocus the gameplay to tighter formations and shorter passes, all the while trying to battle through heavy rain.
Mother Nature attends the FIFA Club World Cup
It seems it was not only the spectators, officials and players that showed face at the Club World Cup. Mother Nature was also out in full force – literally. One of the weather conditions that really wreaked havoc on the tournament was surely the excessive heat. With a heatwave sweeping through the area, players were forced to perform under difficult conditions.
Some of the players tried various methods in the hopes of bringing some relief to the situation. These included wrapping themselves in ice-cold towels or even dipping hands and feet into ice-cold buckets. Hydration was also amped up, not only during the game itself, but also starting from a few days’ prior. Sports drinks replenished electrolytes lost due to the excessive heat.
Deciding to light up the tournament
The extreme heat conditions were not the only thing that affected gameplay during this tournament. Thunderstorms also presented itself during this American summer. Lightning caused match delays as players retreated back into the tunnels and spectators sought shelter. The match between Auckland City and Benfica was delayed for almost two hours after the halftime period due to a lightning storm in the area.
The start of the match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Ulsan HD also played in Orlando was delayed for over an hour also due to lightning. The Cincinnati game between Pachuca and Red Bull Salzburg saw a delay of more than 90 minutes also due to severe thunderstorms. Lightning in New Jersey also saw a 50-minute delay in one of their matches.
As with many sporting organizations, FIFA also has certain weather protocols in place that need to be adhered to in conditions such as these. Lightning detected within 10 miles of a stadium will lead to an automatic match suspension. Weather conditions are, at the best of times, unpredictable. FIFA did it’s best to ensure all business was conducted so as to ensure adequate player, official and spectator safety. But concerns still persist that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will experience similar challenges. One key factor here is that the event is set to take place almost at the same time of the year that this Club World Cup took place.
