US heatwave to hit Fifa World Cup today. It could feel like playing in an oven

A heatwave sweeping across large parts of the United States is expected to pose fresh challenges for players and fans at the FIFA World Cup on Friday, with two of the day's three Round of 32 matches scheduled at open-air stadiums under dangerous heat and humidity.

According to FIFA's official schedule, Argentina face Cabo Verde in Miami, Colombia take on Ghana in Kansas City, while Australia meet Egypt in Dallas.

Of these, only Dallas' AT&T Stadium has a retractable roof and air conditioning, largely shielding players from outdoor temperatures forecast to reach around 38°C.

Scientists say the heatwave is being driven by a powerful heat dome.

A heat dome is a high-pressure weather system that traps hot air close to the ground, allowing temperatures to build over several days.

The same weather pattern has pushed daytime highs into the 35-40°C range across parts of the central and eastern United States, with humidity making conditions even more dangerous.

MIAMI AND KANSAS FACE BIGGEST CHALLENGE

Miami is forecast to remain hot and oppressively humid on Friday afternoon, with air temperatures of around 32-33°C.

However, high moisture levels in the air are expected to push the heat index, or the "feels like" temperature, to 38-40°C, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion for players, officials and spectators.

Kansas City is expected to experience similar conditions during the evening fixture.

While actual temperatures are forecast to hover around 34-35°C, the National Weather Service has warned that the heat index could climb to 41-43°C under lingering humidity.

Authorities have advised people to avoid prolonged outdoor exertion, drink plenty of water and seek air-conditioned spaces whenever possible.

EXTREME HEAT VS FOOTBALL

Heat has emerged as one of the biggest off-field challenges of this edition of the FIFA World Cup.

A reason is also the fact that this edition has grown in scale, with a greater number of teams participating, playing a larger number of matches, and the tournament stretching for more days.

Naturally, the rise in scale also raises the risk of exposure to sweltering conditions.

The concerns, however, extend well beyond a single matchday.

Researchers say rising global temperatures are making prolonged, intense heatwaves more frequent, increasing health risks for athletes and fans and forcing sporting bodies to rethink scheduling and player safety.

FIFA has already incorporated mandatory cooling breaks in matches played under high temperatures, while organisers continue to monitor weather conditions closely.

With knockout football demanding maximum physical effort, Friday's fixtures are expected to provide another reminder that extreme heat is becoming an increasingly influential factor in the world's biggest sporting events.