US heatwave threatens World Cup matches with ‘unsafe’ temperatures for players and thunderstorms

A heatwave is set to blast the United States and Canada this week just as the World Cup kicks into gear.

The National Weather Service is predicting soaring temperatures and high humidity, which will compound the issues.

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Some matches may be played at levels which can cause health-related impacts.

The Wet Bulb Global Temperature is the official measure of how heat and humidity affects the body.

When the WBGT number is above 82.4F — around 100F in dry heat, or 86F in high humidity — players’ union Fifpro recommends postponement as it is unsafe to play.

Temperatures over 90F are expected in large areas, with humidity taking the ‘feel like’ temperature to above 115F across the Great Plains, mid-Mississippi valley, and mid-Atlantic.

Levels are tipped to reach 18F above average in Ontario and Quebec.

Which World Cup Round of 32 matches will be affected by heatwave?

June 29: Brazil vs Japan (Houston)

June 30: Côte d’Ivoire vs Norway (Dallas), France v Sweden (New Jersey)

July 1: England vs DR Congo (Atlanta)

July 2: Portugal vs Croatia (Toronto)

July 3: Argentina vs Cape Verde (Miami), Colombia vs Ghana (Kansas City)

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The games in Dallas, Houston, Miami, and Kansas City are all expected to see feels-like temperatures exceed 104F.

Both Texan venues have climate control, but fans coming to and from the games will be at risk. The others are open-air.

Will World Cup Last 16 be affected by heatwave?

Philadelphia and New Jersey both host matches in the next round with temperatures still expected to be extremely uncomfortable.

Thunderstorms could hit World Cup

A wave of storms is expected to hit the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest, thankfully avoiding World Cup cities.

Later in the week, they could form around the hotter areas of the matches.

Any thunderstorm within eight miles of a stadium will see the match suspended to protect players and fans.

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England vs DR Congo and Argentina vs Cape Verde are the most at-risk fixtures.

Thankfully for FIFA, the choice to add hydration breaks to every game will be easier to justify in the coming days.

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