Club World Cup Chaos: Chelsea Boss Maresca Slams US Hosting After Lightning Delay

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has questioned FIFA's choice of the United States as host for the Club World Cup, following a lengthy weather delay during his team's match against Benfica. The game, held at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, was suspended for two hours due to lightning on Saturday, extending the total match time to almost five hours.

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca waves to the crowd at the end of the Club World Cup round of 16 match between Benfica and Chelsea in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, June 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

The interruption occurred with just four minutes left in regulation time, forcing fans to evacuate the seating areas. This marked the sixth weather-related delay in the tournament's first 50 games.

Maresca voiced his disapproval, stating, "If they are already suspending six, seven, eight games, probably there is something that is not working well." He further added that the United States "is not the right place to do this competition."

Despite the disruption, Chelsea emerged victorious with a 4-1 win over Benfica in extra time. Benfica managed to equalize with a stoppage-time penalty after the extended delay.

Chelsea captain Reece James also expressed his dissatisfaction, saying the delay was "quite disruptive" because they "had to sit and wait for a long period".

The Club World Cup has faced several challenges. Extreme heat, with temperatures nearing 100 degrees Fahrenheit at some venues, has affected daytime matches scheduled to suit European television audiences.

This expanded Club World Cup is seen as a trial run for the larger 48-team World Cup in 2026, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

FIFA has been under scrutiny for pitch conditions, match scheduling, and its management of weather-related interruptions throughout the tournament.

Adding to the frustration, no rain actually fell at Bank of America Stadium during the lightning delay.