Could World Cup matches be 'dangerous' due to heat this week?

Temperatures are expected to soar in parts of the United States and Canada this week, which the National Weather Service (NWS) predicts could create dangerous conditions for World Cup matches. The heat will be accompanied by high humidity, which will make the weather more uncomfortable and potentially hazardous to the health of players. As the intensity of the heat increases throughout the week, the temperature index could approach levels considered too dangerous to play by international players' union Fifpro. This means some of this week's Round of 16 matches could be played in some of the tournament's hottest and most difficult conditions. Widespread heat will affect much of the central and eastern United States and many parts of Canada. Temperatures are expected to exceed 32°C, and with humidity, it will feel like 46°C in some places, including the southern Plains and mid-Mississippi. Nighttime temperatures also won't fall below 20°C, which meteorologists classify as a "tropical night." Extreme heat will also affect eastern Canada, where temperatures in Ontario and Quebec could be up to 10C above normal.Not all World Cup Round of 16 matches will be affected by the heat, but there are some key games worth keeping on your radar. The hottest weather is expected in Texas, which will impact fans traveling to air-conditioned stadiums in Houston and Arlington. For the Brazil vs Japan match in Houston on Monday the temperature "feels like" 44C, and in Dallas on Tuesday it will reach 41C. The inside of the stadiums will be much more pleasant for both players and spectators.

Similar conditions are expected in the England match against DR Congo on Wednesday in Atlanta. Other matches where heat may be an issue:

• Tuesday, June 30 - France vs Sweden, New Jersey - 30°C
• Thursday, July 2 - Portugal vs Croatia, Toronto - 31°C
• Friday, July 3 - Argentina vs Cape Verde, Miami - 31°C
• Friday, July 3 - Colombia vs Ghana, Kansas City - 32°C Matches in Miami and Kansas City on Friday could be particularly uncomfortable as high humidity will push felt temperatures to 40°C. Based on official measures that take into account the effects of heat and humidity on the human body, it is known that both of these matches could have an index close to the threshold that Fifpro considers too dangerous to play.By the end of the week, the heat will peak in the eastern US and Canada, which could become a significant problem, especially during the round of 16 matches in Philadelphia and New Jersey on Saturday and Sunday. Temperatures here can rise to the high 30s Celsius (100°F) and feel like over 40°C (104°F). High temperatures and humidity could lead to thunderstorms. Initially, rain and storms will be over the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest - away from the World Cup host cities. However, there may be thunderstorms in the heat zone later in the week which could impact some matches. Thunderstorms could cause the game to be suspended if they come within eight miles (13 km) of the stadium to allow players and spectators to take shelter. There is a slight risk of thunderstorms in England's match against DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday, which could affect the game. This risk increases later in the day, after the match has concluded. There is also a high chance of thunderstorms for Argentina's match against Cape Verde in Miami on Friday.---## Related Articles1. Australia vs. Türkiye: Cách theo dõi trận đấu tại World Cup 2026

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