Philadelphia on extreme heat alert before France’s World Cup last-16 tie with Paraguay | OneFootball

Philadelphia has issued an extreme heat alert as France arrive for their World Cup last-16 meeting with Paraguay. According to L'Équipe, parts of the Independence Day programme have been cancelled. Kick-off on Saturday is expected to be slightly cooler at 23:00 French time.

Temperatures had surged in Boston, where France have been training, but Philadelphia is hotter. The squad landed late on Friday morning local time. At 17:00, when they train on the Eagles’ turf on the eve of the tie, it will be about 38°C in the shade, 23:00 in France.

The city sits within a region rated extreme risk for heat. The huge parade marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, scheduled for Saturday 4 July, has been scrapped. The evening fireworks are still set to go ahead.

France will not see them, as they are due to return to the Four Seasons in downtown Boston after the match. Before any celebrations, they must handle the furnace of Lincoln Financial field, where 36°C and 40% humidity are forecast.

Skies should be lightly overcast and, after the torrents against Iraq, players and spectators will face stands with no shade. A light wind is expected to give a hairdryer feel that will recall heatwaves in France.

Source: L'Équipe