KANSAS CITY: United States meteorologists have issued an extreme heat warning for Kansas City, one of the host cities of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ahead of this week’s knockout match between Colombia and Ghana.
The National Weather Service warned on Monday that the city and surrounding areas could face dangerously hot conditions, with heat index values expected to reach between 105 degrees Fahrenheit and 110 degrees Fahrenheit, or about 41 to 43 degrees Celsius.
The advisory will remain in effect until 9pm on Friday, local time.
Heat concerns grow
Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium is scheduled to host the Round of 32 match between Colombia and Ghana on Friday.
The city is also serving as a training base for Argentina, England, the Netherlands and Algeria during the tournament.
“Heat-related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events,” the National Weather Service said.
It warned that several days of extreme heat would affect the region, with limited relief overnight.
The 2026 World Cup is being held across the United States, Canada and Mexico, with several venues located in areas known for high summer temperatures and humidity.
Weather has already affected the tournament, with France’s group-stage match against Iraq delayed by two hours because of storms.
