Hell’s heat is in the USA! France and Paraguay could play the hottest game ever

Meteorologists announce temperatures that will approach 40 degrees Celsius, but the actual feeling of heat, with extremely high humidity, could reach a dangerous 46 degrees. The match is scheduled for 17:00 local time, right at the time when the heat is at its peak.

Hellish forecast in the open stadium

Lincoln Financial Fielda stadium without a roof with a capacity of almost 68,000 seats, will be the scene of the battle not only for the čquarterfinals, butć and for survival in unbearable conditions. A phenomenon known as a “heat dome”, an area of ​​high pressure that traps hot air, has created extreme conditions that have led local authorities to canceled numerous celebrations, including concerts and parades.

Scientists from the World Weather Attribution organization state that such an intense and humid heat wave would be “almost impossible”. without the influence of climate change. According to data from the Berkeley Earth group, the world has warmed by about 0.7 degrees Celsius in the last three decades, since the USA last hosted the World Cup in 1994. Then one of the hottest games was played in Orlando, Florida, when 43.3 degrees were measured.

Playing on impact, scientists raise the alarm

Extreme heat is a serious threat to the health of athletes. Intense effort in such conditions can lead to exhaustion, dehydration, cramps, nausea and dizziness, and in the worst case to heatstroke, which is the third leading cause of death among athletes.

​- When you strain on a particularly hotć day, the likelihood of experiencing heat-related illness or even death is much higher – warns Bharat Venkat, director of the Heat Laboratory at the University of California.

Experts emphasize that high temperatures affect all aspects of the game. Players cover shorter distances and reduce high-intensity running, which slows down the pace of the game. In addition to the physical, there is also a cognitive influence. Heat-induced confusion can affect decision-making and ultimately determine the winner. And while the game is in focus, the fans aren’t safe either. Tens of thousands of people in the stands, many of whom consume alcohol, are exposed to the same risk. The organizers have announced the installation of tents for cooling and free water, but experts fear that in combination with euphoria and the desire not to miss a moment of the game, many may ignore the danger.

Fifa under criticism for the appointment

The International Football Federation came under fire for the decision to play the match in the afternoon in an open stadium. Many believe that such a schedule was completely predictable and an unnecessary risk. Fifa introduced mandatory three-minute hydration breaks in the middle of each half, but the measure caused mixed reactions. While some argue that it interrupts the flow of the game, some scientists claim that the breaks are too short for significant cooling and rehydration of the game.

According to FIFA guidelines, a match can be postponed if the so-called “wet bulb globe” temperature, which takes into account temperature, humidity, wind and solar radiation, reaches 32 degrees Celsius. However, experts such as Douglas Case of the Korey Stringer Institute point out that this is a threshold that the US military considers extreme.

​- In our training centers, if the temperature reaches 32 degrees, it’s a black flag and all training must be canceled – said Casa.

The union of players FIFPRO and the American College. sports medicine asked that the matches be postponed more at 28 degrees. Despiteč all in all, the game doesn’t seem to care too much about the heat.

​- Both teams will have the same conditions – French midfielder Désiré Doué said briefly.

Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro agreed with him, adding that the heat will affect both teams. It seems that ć in Philadelphia, the winner will be the one who better adapts to the opponent who is not on the field, butć high in the sky.