Concerns about extreme July heat have hovered over the 2026 World Cup for months. Now, they’re becoming reality as the tournament collides with one of the hottest weeks of the year.As a powerful “heat dome” settles over large parts of the United States and Canada, bringing with it furnace-like conditions and temperatures expected to exceed 43 degrees Celsius (110 degrees Fahrenheit) in several host cities, forecasters are warning about potential heat safety issues for some of this week’s knockout matches.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of listWhich World Cup matches will be affected?Toronto’s health authorities urged fans heading to Toronto Stadium for Portugal’s Round of 32 match against Croatia on Thursday to stay hydrated and limit their alcohol intake after Environment Canada issued a heat warning.The city’s medical officer of health, Michelle Murti, said temperatures could feel like 40C (104F) because of the humidity.Friday’s match between Colombia and Ghana in Kansas City will be played under an extreme heat warning, with “feels like” temperatures of up to 43C (110F). Miami, where Argentina face Cape Verde on Friday, is also expected to experience moderate to major heat risk this weekend.Saturday’s match between Paraguay and France in Philadelphia could face similar conditions, with temperatures forecast to reach 39C (102F) and a heat index of up to 43C (110F). FIFA has already shortened the operating hours of its Fan Festival in the city because of the heat. A view of the Kansas City stadium ahead of the Ecuador vs Curacao match on June 20 [Amy Kontras/EPA]Which stadiums are most exposed to …
