Scorching Kickoff and Star Power: Juve vs. Wydad in the Heat
The stage is set for a sizzling showdown at Lincoln Financial Field with a forecast of 91 degrees at kickoff. To beat the heat, fans can bring their own water. Watching stars of the U.S. Men’s National Team like Tim Weah and Weston McKennie playing for Juventus adds excitement to Sunday’s Club World Cup match against Morocco’s Wydad. The intense heat wave that began Saturday, however, promises to be an unwelcome guest.
With the temperature potentially soaring to 94 by the final whistle at 2 p.m., hydration breaks during each half are anticipated. These pauses are part of FIFA’s regular routine and have even become branded moments, thanks to a sponsorship deal with a beverage company. Previous matches have encountered storm-induced delays in places like Orlando and Cincinnati, but this bout of high temperatures is set to be the hottest yet, with predictions of 100 degrees or more in the days following.
Fortunately, Philadelphia will host two evening kickoffs next week: Chelsea vs. Espérance of Tunisia on Tuesday, and Real Madrid vs. Austria’s Red Bull Salzburg on Thursday. The latter is expected to attract a larger crowd due to Madrid’s famed squad. On Sunday, fans can bring a sealed or empty one-liter bottle to fill with water inside the stadium. As for the players, they’re bracing for the heat.
“We already played in tough heat,” shared Juve midfielder Teun Koopmeiners at a steamy Lincoln Financial Field after their recent 5-0 victory over Al Ain from the UAE. “The oppressive humidity in D.C. makes it feel like playing in a sauna,” he added, highlighting the region’s notorious swelter. “Despite that, we’re not going to use it as an excuse, as everyone faces the same conditions.”
When asked if strategies would change due to the temperature, Koopmeiners mentioned potential tactical adjustments. “Our coach might consider making substitutions sooner, since fatigue can set in quicker,” he noted, but emphasized confidence in their resilience.
Juve’s Manager Igor Tudor later reinforced the sentiment, highlighting that both teams share the heat challenge. “Hydration is key, but our focus remains on the game,” he declared.
Koopmeiners expressed his close bond with McKennie and Weah, applauding their quality both on and off the pitch. He acknowledged their importance to the team and relished their connection. Interestingly, he has a personal link to the region through family in nearby Davidsville, Pennsylvania, adding, “I love American people.”
This match marks McKennie’s return to Philly since he played here with the USMNT in 2019, and it’s Weah’s first since a 2018 game where he netted his debut U.S. goal. Unfortunately, neither player was available for comment on Sunday, though they did speak on Wednesday following an unexpected visit to the White House.
“The White House visit was unexpected,” Weah recounted. “While intriguing, it wasn’t thrilling for someone who doesn’t engage in politics.” The atmosphere was notably more relaxed on Sunday as media from around the world gathered to quiz Koopmeiners on the looming battle against an African club in Juve’s first Club World Cup appearance.
“Football’s magic lies in its global reach,” he mused. “Competing against teams worldwide enriches us professionally and culturally. Every encounter brings a unique learning opportunity, making us better players and offering a transformative experience.”