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Kovač Slams MetLife Turf and Afternoon Heat After Dortmund’s Club World Cup Exit

His remarks intensify calls for enforceable heat thresholds ahead of the expanded 2026 World Cup.

Soccer Football - FIFA Club World Cup - Quarter Final - Real Madrid v Borussia Dortmund - MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, U.S. - July 5, 2025 Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac reacts REUTERS/Lee Smith

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.