As the 2026 World Cup takes place in the United States, a heat wave on the East Coast is threatening players and fans. Temperatures are expected to exceed 100°F (about 38°C) in many cities on July 4. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
During the round of 32 match between France and Sweden in East Rutherford, New Jersey, near New York, players cooled off with field sprinklers. French fans also used fans to cool down. Argentina's star Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul splashed water on themselves during a training session on the eve of their match against Cape Verde in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
In Detroit, spectators at the US-Bosnia and Herzegovina match used fans to beat the heat. In Dallas, Egypt players took hydration breaks as temperatures neared triple digits. France defender Lucas Digne also cooled during a hydration break.
Most matches are scheduled in the afternoon Eastern Time, which coincides with the hottest part of the day. Players and fans are advised to drink water, stay in the shade, and avoid heatstroke. The US National Weather Service has issued heat advisories for many East Coast states.