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Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has branded the two-hour suspension of their Club World Cup last-16 match against Benfica due to extreme weather as "a joke," questioning the suitability of the United States as a host for the tournament. The match, which ended in a 4-1 extra-time victory for Chelsea in Charlotte, dragged on for four hours and 39 minutes, concluding at 01:39 BST on Sunday, 29 June 2025.
The game was halted in the 85th minute due to thunderstorms within an eight-mile radius of Bank of America Stadium, in line with US safety protocols. This marked the sixth weather-related suspension in the tournament, with seasonal summer storms disrupting matches across multiple cities. Maresca expressed frustration, stating, "This is not football. It’s completely something new; I struggle to understand." He highlighted that no such interruptions occur in European matches or previous World Cups, adding, "If you suspend seven or eight games, it’s probably not the right place to do the competition." The match saw Chelsea leading 1-0 through Reece James’ 64th-minute goal before the stoppage. After resuming, Benfica equalised via a 95th-minute penalty from Angel Di Maria, but Chelsea rallied in extra time with goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, while Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni was sent off. The delay disrupted Chelsea’s rhythm, with players like Marc Cucurella, Levi Colwill, and Tosin Adarabioyo visibly frustrated. To stay warm, players cycled on exercise bikes and did kick-ups during the break. Maresca noted the chaotic atmosphere, with players eating, chatting, and using phones, saying, "For 85 minutes we were in control... after the break, the game changed completely." Defender Trevoh Chalobah quipped on social media, "Game started Saturday and ended Sunday." The tournament’s weather issues, including extreme heat and storms, have raised concerns about the US hosting the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. Other matches, such as Palmeiras vs. Al-Ahly and Salzburg vs. Pachuca, faced similar delays. While some US and Canadian stadiums have covered roofs, many do not, prompting suggestions to shift the World Cup to winter months, as Qatar did in 2022, though cold weather poses challenges in some regions. FIFA’s Arsene Wenger acknowledged the disruptions but prioritised safety, stating, "When you organise a competition, you have to put security first." FIFA has been approached for comment on Maresca’s remarks.
