Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has expressed his frustration with the two-hour weather delay during their Club World Cup match against Benfica, describing the situation as “a joke” and stating that the United States is “probably not the right place” to host the competition.
The Italian manager’s comments come after Chelsea’s 4-1 extra-time victory over Benfica in the last-16 tie, which lasted four hours and 39 minutes due to the stormy weather.
Maresca emphasized that while he understands the importance of prioritizing security reasons, suspending seven or eight games due to weather conditions raises concerns about the suitability of the United States as a host country.
“I think it’s a joke, to be honest,” Maresca said. “It’s not football. It’s completely something new; I struggle to understand.” He further added, “If you suspend seven or eight games, then it’s probably not the right place to do the competition”.
The Chelsea manager highlighted the unusual nature of game suspensions in football, noting that in major tournaments like the World Cup or European championships, games are rarely suspended. “It’s not normal to suspend the game,” Maresca stated. “In a World Cup, how many games are suspended? Zero probably. In Europe, how many games get suspended? Zero.” The frequent disruptions due to weather have been a point of contention, with six games already suspended in different cities during the tournament.
The Club World Cup’s weather issues have sparked concerns about the United States’ ability to host the 2026 World Cup, which will feature 48 teams. Extreme heat has also been a problem, with temperatures approaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) at some venues. Maresca’s comments echo the challenges faced by the tournament organizers in managing games amidst adverse weather conditions.
In response to the criticism, FIFA has emphasized its commitment to following established safety protocols. However, Maresca’s remarks underscore the need for a more effective strategy to mitigate the impact of weather disruptions on the tournament. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the concerns raised by Maresca and others may prompt a reevaluation of the hosting arrangements to ensure a smoother and more successful tournament.