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| Niko Kovac Slams Poor Field Conditions and Extreme Heat at Club World Cup 2025. |
Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac voiced his frustration after his team’s narrow 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. But beyond the scoreline, Kovac took issue with something far more concerning — the pitch quality and scheduling decisions at the tournament.
“This Field Feels More Like a Golf Course” – Kovac Criticizes MetLife Stadium Turf
Following the dramatic loss to Real Madrid at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Kovac didn’t hold back. He claimed that the pitch surface was so short and dry, it felt more like a putting green than a football field.
“This grass is not what we’re used to in the Bundesliga,” said Kovac. “You could putt here. It’s way too short, and without proper irrigation, it gets unbelievably sticky. That’s not suitable for a football match.”
The same concerns were raised when Dortmund played Fluminense earlier in the tournament at the same venue. Compared to matches held at TQL Stadium and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Kovac said the difference in field conditions was obvious.
Scorching Heat Adds to Player Fatigue and Poor Match Quality
Beyond turf quality, Kovac also pointed out the brutal playing conditions due to extreme heat in the United States — a concern that could heavily impact the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will also be hosted across the US, Mexico, and Canada.
“In Cincinnati, we played at noon and again at 3 p.m. On the pitch, it felt like 113°F (around 45°C). That’s brutal for the players,” he said. “Even today, it was 95°F (around 35°C). It doesn’t allow for intense, high-energy football.”
Kovac believes fans want to see aggressive, fast-paced matches — something that's nearly impossible in excessive heat. He urged tournament organizers to rethink scheduling.
Kovac Calls for Smarter Kickoff Times for Major Tournaments
The timing of matches, according to Kovac, should be adjusted to help teams perform at their best — and to protect player health.
“We need to play these matches, sure. But I’d suggest kickoffs happen later in the day. When it’s cooler, the quality of the game is better, and the intensity goes up,” he said. “That’s better for the players and the fans.”
Real Madrid Remain Unbeaten in Club World Cup Run
Despite the conditions, Real Madrid extended their impressive unbeaten run in the Club World Cup to 20 games, with 17 wins and 3 draws — showcasing their ability to adapt to any environment.
Borussia Dortmund, meanwhile, will return home with valuable lessons ahead of the upcoming Bundesliga season, and hopes that future international tournaments will prioritize better infrastructure and scheduling.
Takeaway: Club World Cup 2025 Highlights Major Hosting Issues Ahead of World Cup 2026
Niko Kovac's honest assessment sheds light on a bigger issue — the need for FIFA and local organizers to ensure world-class facilities and reasonable playing conditions, especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching fast.
From inadequate turf quality to sweltering weather, the current situation in the US raises valid concerns. If global tournaments are to succeed, the experience must be optimized not just for fans, but also for the players giving their all on the pitch.