A heat wave is moving across the eastern and central United States. The match between World Cup favourites France and underdogs Paraguay on Saturday, US Independence Day, will be played in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on the East Coast.
The heat index, which combines air temperature and humidity to determine the perceived temperature, is expected to reach between 38 and 46 degrees, according to the US National Weather Service.
When France faced Sweden in the round of 32 in New Jersey, it was “only” around 32 degrees.
High temperatures have affected many matches during the championship in the United States, Canada and Mexico. One measure has been the controversial water breaks in both halves, although it has been suspected that they were mainly intended to allow more advertising during television broadcasts.
The match will be played at 23:00 Swedish time.
