Enzo Maresca Slams US as ‘Unfit’ to Host Club World Cup After Storm-Hit Chelsea Win
A furious Enzo Maresca didn’t hold back after Chelsea's 4-1 win over Benfica in the Club World Cup was massively delayed due to a severe weather disruption in Charlotte, USA. The chaos unfolded at the Bank of America Stadium, where the match was halted for nearly two hours due to a lightning strike with just five minutes left in normal time.
Chelsea, already leading 1-0 and in full control, were forced off the field along with Benfica as lightning lit up the skies. Both teams were stuck in their dressing rooms for an agonizing hour and 53 minutes, trying to stay warm and focused before the game finally resumed.
But the drama didn’t end there.
Just as the match restarted, a highly controversial penalty handed Benfica an equalizer, dragging the game into extra time. Though Chelsea powered through with goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, the full match dragged on for a staggering four hours and 38 minutes from kick-off.
With the 2026 Men’s World Cup approaching fast — to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the US — Maresca raised serious concerns.
“We dominated for 85 minutes,” Maresca said. “Then everything changed. Honestly, this isn’t football. It’s already happened in seven or eight games — suspensions due to weather. That’s a joke. If this keeps happening, maybe this isn't the right place to host a competition like this."
He didn’t stop there.
Storms have already disrupted six matches across multiple US cities during the tournament. Add a scorching heatwave blanketing much of the East and Central US, and teams are battling both opponents and the elements.
“I’m happy we’re in the last eight of this fantastic competition,” Maresca said. “But when a game gets suspended like that, it becomes something else. It’s not football anymore.”
“We were winning. Then we’re stuck inside for two hours — guys on phones, eating, talking with families — the momentum is gone. The restart felt like a completely different match. That’s why we suddenly gave away chances. It messes with your rhythm and your mindset.”
Chelsea also suffered a blow with Moises Caicedo receiving a one-game suspension, but still advanced thanks to Benfica going down to 10 men in extra time.
When asked whether the weather protocols were hurting the tournament’s reputation, Maresca was clear but diplomatic.
“Don’t get me wrong — it’s a top-tier competition and we’re proud to be part of it,” he said. “But look at the numbers: six or seven games suspended in two weeks. That doesn’t happen in Europe or the World Cup. Something’s not right.”
Description:
"Chelsea’s Club World Cup win over Benfica was delayed nearly two hours due to lightning, sparking coach Enzo Maresca’s fiery criticism of the US as an unfit host. He questions weather protocols and tournament readiness ahead of the 2026 World Cup."