FIFA CWC: PSG manager Luis Enrique criticizes kick-off times amid US summer heat
On Sunday, June 15, 2025, Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique voiced concerns over the timing of matches at the Club World Cup in the United States, citing the extreme summer heat as detrimental to top-level football.
After PSG’s 4-0 victory against Atletico Madrid in Pasadena, Los Angeles, played at noon with temperatures nearing 40°C and high humidity, Enrique said, “The match was clearly influenced by the temperature… It’s impossible to perform at a very high level for 90 minutes.”
He noted that while the midday kick-off suits European viewers, it imposes harsh conditions on players. PSG’s next match against Botafogo is scheduled for 6pm local time in Pasadena, while Atletico Madrid will face their next fixture in cooler Seattle, with a forecast of 19°C.
