Overview

• Niko Kovač likened MetLife Stadium’s overly short, under-watered turf to a golf green following Dortmund’s 3-2 defeat by Real Madrid.
• He highlighted an 86°F kickoff that sapped player performance and urged later start times to preserve match intensity.
• Scorching conditions at the tournament have renewed scrutiny of FIFA’s cooling breaks and frequent afternoon scheduling.
• FIFA currently relies on temporary cooling pauses, while players’ union FIFPRO is demanding formal heat-safety rules and extended rest periods.
• With MetLife set to host the 2026 World Cup final, Kovač’s critique underlines stadium readiness and player welfare concerns for next summer’s games.