The international football community now has first impressions of the upcoming 2026 World Cup, after the Club World Cup in the United States concluded. The large-scale sporting event served as a kind of test polygon for the organizational challenges that await the largest football championship in history.
Meteorological conditions emerged as one of the most serious factors that could affect the tournament. Extreme temperatures reached 39 degrees Celsius, creating serious difficulties for teams and players. Football specialists like Arsene Wenger are already considering adaptation options, including changing kick-off times and using roofed stadiums.
Logistics and transportation also raised several questions. The enormous distances between cities and the lack of developed public transport infrastructure could create serious difficulties for fans and teams. Some stadiums like MetLife Stadium in New Jersey proved practically inaccessible without a personal vehicle.
Spectator interest varied significantly - from packed arenas to extremely low attendance. While the final between Chelsea and PSG gathered over 80,000 spectators, some matches attracted fewer than 10,000 people. Experts see this as an opportunity for growth of football culture in the USA.
Temperature challenges forced teams to change their preparation and tactics. Players and coaches shared that extreme heat seriously complicates the game, with some teams being forced to shorten training sessions and seek alternative cooling methods.
Meteorological conditions were not the only challenge. At least six matches were delayed due to lightning and storms, which raised questions about safety and match conduct. US rules require stopping play during lightning within a 10-mile radius and a 30-minute wait after its cessation.
The quality of football pitches also drew criticism from leading players. Borussia Dortmund's manager Niko Kovac described some grass areas as similar to golf courses, with extremely short and dry grass, which affects ball speed and passing.
Security was another key aspect, especially during the final match, which was attended by former President Donald Trump. US security services took exceptional measures, including deploying snipers on stadium roofs.
Despite the challenges, experts remain optimistic. Michael Brown, a former footballer and commentator, believes that this tournament is an important rehearsal that will help better organize the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA is already considering various strategies to improve conditions, including flexible match scheduling, infrastructure investments, and marketing campaigns to increase football interest in the USA.
The upcoming championship promises to be historic - with 48 teams participating and hosting in three North American countries. The Club World Cup showed that there is much work to be done, but also enormous potential for developing football culture in the region.