Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, concerns are growing over possible weather disruptions in the United States. This after multiple matches at the ongoing Club World Cup were delayed due to extreme heat and thunderstorms.

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca criticized FIFA for holding the Club World Cup in the United States after his club's match against Benfica on Saturday was delayed for two hours due to lightning and took nearly five hours to complete.

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca has labelled the Club World Cup’s storm delays a “joke” and questioned whether some American cities are “the right place” to host games in a major tournament. Weather conditions in Charlotte forced a near-two-hour-delay to Chelsea’s round-of-16 clash with Benfica on Saturday evening before the Premier League team ran out 4-1 winners in extra time.