FIFA alerts to extreme heat risk for Paraguay‑France World Cup round‑of‑16 in Philadelphia

FIFA issued an urgent warning a few hours before the Paraguay‑France round‑of‑16 match at the 2026 World Cup, saying conditions in Philadelphia pose a high risk of delay or suspension. Meteorological services forecast temperatures of 36‑38 °C with a heat‑index that could reach 41‑42 °C, and some forecasts even mention peaks up to 46 °C, together with possible thunderstorms and lightning. The open‑air Lincoln Financial Field triggers a strict safety protocol: play is stopped if lightning is detected within 13 km of the stadium, and the match can only resume after a minimum 30‑minute lightning‑free period.

Both teams acknowledged the heat. Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro said his side is accustomed to high temperatures and may have a slight edge, while France’s Didier Deschamps noted similar training conditions at 38 °C. The match is set for 17:00 local time (23:00 CET). The city declared a heat‑related emergency, cancelling parts of outdoor Independence Day celebrations, and the temperature recorded during the first half (37 °C) is the highest ever at a World Cup match.