Saturday’s Round of 16 clash between France and Paraguay in Philadelphia faced a serious threat due to extreme weather conditions. Forbes journalists raised alarms about the match being scheduled for 17:00 local time, when temperatures are expected to peak above 38 degrees Celsius amid stifling humidity.
Such conditions, resembling a scorching heat of nearly 43 degrees, pose significant health risks for both players and fans, while also diminishing the quality of the spectacle. FIFA is being urged to acknowledge the mistake and push the kickoff to later in the evening, when the sun’s intensity will have lessened. Organizers have come under harsh criticism for prioritizing European prime-time TV slots at the expense of considering the local climate.
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