EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – It was oppressively hot at MetLife Stadium, a weather condition that not only ignited pre-match discussions but also prompted managers to adapt their strategies. Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira acknowledged, “We will face not just our rivals, but the climate as well,” a statement that gained validation as his team claimed a 2-0 victory against Al Ahly later that evening.

The game was marked by a troubling run of weather delays, with play interrupted by lightning. Just before the break, Guadalajara’s players were up to the challenge, scoring early in the second half following an own goal from Wessam Abou Ali and a late strike from Jose Manuel Lopez.

As Riveiro noted post-match, such interruptions were a significant challenge. “It’s tough to regain the momentum of the game after breaks,” he reflected, emphasizing the fatigue faced by the players from long seasons leading into the tournament.

Palmeiras kept a keen eye on their tactics, shifting their play to a more defensive strategy to handle the unique conditions, asserting that their game plan was directly influenced by the searing weather.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, hosted across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the climatic challenges presented by hot summer temperatures will be a key factor for all teams involved, raising questions about how they will adapt to ensure success in the rapidly changing conditions.

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