Borussia Dortmund continue to struggle with the scorching weather conditions at the Club World Cup in the United States, as heat remains a central talking point after their narrow 4-3 win over Mamelodi Sundowns in Cincinnati. Temperatures soared above 32°C during the match, with a “feels like” reading pushing towards 36°C, forcing Dortmund substitutes to seek shelter indoors during the first half.
In the second period, umbrellas lined the dugout as players sought relief from the sun. Coach Niko Kovac described the situation as “like being in a sauna” and admitted that the heat significantly impacted his team’s performance, which included conceding three goals against a less-resourced opponent.
Kovac acknowledged both teams were affected, but highlighted a notable disadvantage for European squads unfamiliar with such oppressive conditions. Despite mistakes and lapses in intensity, he insisted the key takeaway was qualification to the next round, even if the performance fell short of expectations.
The contrast between the players’ visible struggles and the club’s official stance has raised questions. While CEO Carsten Cramer insisted Dortmund were taking the tournament seriously, there appears to be a disconnect, with on-field body language and results suggesting otherwise.
FIFA, for its part, has responded by implementing hydration breaks and deploying medical officers across venues. The governing body says it’s maintaining constant contact with teams to manage the risks of extreme heat exposure and provide guidance on acclimatisation.
As climate challenges continue to influence global football, Dortmund’s heat-related troubles have reignited concerns about hosting high-stakes matches in harsh weather conditions. With more hot fixtures likely ahead, European clubs may need to rethink their approach to summer competitions in warmer climates.