World Cup's knockout rounds collide with a massive heat wave

Fans of Croatia cheer during the FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Croatia and Ghana at Philadelphia Stadium. An NPR analysis of past weather conditions found that the July 4th match in Philadelphia is particularly likely to take place in dangerous conditions.

A major heat wave is affecting much of the eastern half of the United States this week, bringing dangerous conditions to multiple World Cup matches.

(Image credit: Kevin C. Cox)