Authorities and meteorological experts have warned of severe weather conditions awaiting fans attending the France vs Paraguay round-of-16 match at the 2026 World Cup, with forecasts predicting a significant rise in temperatures across the American city of Philadelphia.
A "heat dome" has settled over the eastern half of the United States and the Canadian city of Toronto, causing temperatures and humidity levels to soar across several cities hosting the tournament, including Philadelphia, which is set to host the France vs Paraguay clash.
Karim Alan, a World Cup fan travelling from the English city of Manchester, told Reuters that they are not accustomed to such conditions back home, adding that they would endure the heat for a few hours before retreating to air-conditioned venues.
Philadelphia is preparing to receive large numbers of visitors, coinciding with celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, further swelling the city's visitor numbers, while the high temperatures present an additional challenge for fans.
AccuWeather's forecast service noted that temperatures could approach 100 degrees Fahrenheit, equivalent to approximately 37.8 degrees Celsius, on Saturday, with conditions expected to pose health risks to fans.
Tyler Roys, a meteorologist at AccuWeather, explained that fans would be spending long hours under direct sunlight with limited shade available, stressing that prolonged exposure to these conditions could lead to heat-related illnesses, particularly for those arriving from cooler climates whose bodies have not yet acclimatised to the heat and humidity expected in Philadelphia.
Roys added that staying hydrated, moving frequently to shaded areas, and wearing lightweight clothing are not merely comfort measures but essential safety precautions.
Alan Asinov, a university student from Kazakhstan, noted that he is accustomed to high temperatures, but believes humidity will be the most impactful factor in Philadelphia, particularly given the city's proximity to the river, which makes the heat feel more intense than the actual recorded figures.