sports
Two World Cup matches were played in ‘severe heat’, analysis finds
Games in Miami and Monterrey were at heat level a players’ union had warned in the past should trigger delays
TL;DR
- Two World Cup matches were played in severe heat (28C wet-bulb temperature or above) without air conditioning.
- Four more games took place in cities with temperatures exceeding this level, but were played in air-conditioned stadiums.
- Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay in Miami and Sweden vs. Tunisia in Monterrey experienced the most severe heat conditions among games without AC.
- A players' union has previously stated that games played at 28C or above should be delayed or postponed.
- Fifa has implemented measures such as later kick-off times, mandatory water breaks, and air conditioning in some venues.
- Experts are concerned about the heat's impact on fans and stadium workers, urging for more shade and hydration options.
- The World Cup is predicted to be the hottest ever, with potential environmental impacts from greenhouse gas emissions.