France-Paraguay set to be hottest World Cup match yet
FILE-General view of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I football match between France and Iraq at Philadelphia Stadium on June 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chen Mengtong/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images)
The knockout round game between France and Paraguay this weekend may be the World Cup tournament’s hottest match, posing risks to the region, athletes and fans in the open-air stadium.
Temperatures are forecast over 100 F during Saturday's match in Philadelphia.
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According to The Associated Press, FIFPRO, the player’s union, and the American College of Sports Medicine, have called for matches to be delayed at 82.40 F for safety reasons.
A heat wave is expected to continue in the eastern and central regions of the United States through the end of the week, with peak heat indexes between 100 F to 115 F, the AP reported, citing the National Weather Service.
What are FIFA’s rules on heat safety?
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FIFA requires mandatory three-minute hydration breaks midway through each half to protect players, and referees, from extreme heat illness.
The Associated Press reported that some have condemned this rule, claiming that pause in the match interrupts the flow of play and gives coaches an opportunity to shift momentum in their team’s favor.
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However, some scientists state that the breaks should be longer to allow players to cool and rehydrate in severe heat.
FIFA told the AP that soccer matches outdoors during peak heat periods are limited, and those expected in warmer windows are prioritized for covered stadiums.
According to the AP, FIFA's policy states that a soccer match may be postponed if the wet bulb globe temperature reaches 89.60 F.
Heat is a serious threat to athletes
Big picture view:
Heat affects individuals from both their surroundings, and their bodies warm during exercise. This makes it tougher to cool down when it's extremely hot and humid, Bharat Venkat, director of the Heat Lab at the University of California, Los Angeles, told The Associated Press.
The AP reported that intense exercise on a severely hot day may result in extreme fatigue, impaired performance, headache, irritability, nausea, dizziness, cramping and dehydration, which are symptoms of physical exertion heat illness.
Furthermore, heat stroke from physical exertion requires immediate medical attention and is the third leading cause of death in athletes, the AP noted.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by The Associated Press, which received comments from Bharat Venkat, director of the Heat Lab at the University of California, Los Angeles. This story was reported from Washington, D.C.