Enzo Fernandez wore the captain’s armband throughout Chelsea’s run to the FIFA Club World Cup final, where only Paris Saint-Germain stand between the Blues and the trophy. But ahead of Sunday’s showdown, the Argentine midfielder sent a clear message to FIFA regarding a growing concern ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The expanded Club World Cup has already sparked debate for adding to an increasingly crowded calendar, placing more physical strain on players at the end of a grueling season. But for Fernandez and many others, the real battle has been against the extreme heat.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Fernandez didn’t hold back when asked about the temperatures players have been forced to endure: “Thank you for asking that question, because honestly, the heat is incredible. The other day I got a bit dizzy during a play and had to go down to the ground. Playing in this kind of temperature is very dangerous.
The Chelsea star also pointed out how the stifling weather impacts the quality of play. “Especially for the spectacle as well—for the people who come to enjoy the game at the stadium, and for those watching at home. The pace of the game isn’t the same; everything slows down a lot,” he added.
Looking ahead to next year’s World Cup, Fernandez urged FIFA to reconsider scheduling decisions: “Hopefully next year they change the schedule at least, so that it’s more of a show, and football stays beautiful and exciting.”
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Chelsea are now just one win away from lifting the trophy, despite a rocky start that included a surprise group-stage defeat to Flamengo. With the final against PSG set for Sunday at 3 p.m. ET, Fernandez’s biggest concern remains the soaring temperatures, which have shaped the tournament’s narrative.
What happened to Enzo Fernandez?
Chelsea advanced to the final with a 2–0 win over Fluminense on Tuesday, but one of the most worrying moments of the tournament came when Fernandez went down in the first half, appearing to suffer from heat exhaustion.
Lying on the turf at MetLife Stadium, the Argentine required medical attention and cold water treatment. With temperatures in East Rutherford hitting 95°F (35°C) under direct sunlight, officials were forced to implement cooling breaks as conditions took a toll on players.
“I got a little dizzy. It was really hot. I had just made a few sprints, I was out of breath, and I felt a bit dizzy. In these weather conditions—as you can see, it was very hot—the pitch felt very heavy,” explained Enzo Fernández after the match in an interview with DAZN.
