MADRID, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Concerns over extreme temperatures at the ongoing FIFA World Cup are not limited to host nations the United States, Mexico and Canada, with Spain also facing severe heat conditions.
Madrid City Hall has canceled the public screening of Sunday's World Cup match between Spain and Saudi Arabia at Plaza de Colon because of extreme temperatures.
Madrid and much of Spain entered the first day of a forecast four-day heatwave on Sunday, with Spain's State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) placing the capital under an orange alert. Temperatures are expected to reach 39 degrees Celsius at the 6 p.m. local kickoff time.
"The decision has been taken with the aim of protecting the health of attendees, event staff and support services involved in the event," Madrid City Hall said in a statement, advising residents to watch the match indoors or in air-conditioned spaces.
The heatwave is expected to last until Wednesday, with temperatures forecast to reach 41 degrees Celsius in Madrid and as high as 43 degrees Celsius in the northern city of Bilbao.
The cancelation comes as extreme weather has emerged as a growing concern during the World Cup, with players, coaches and organizers discussing the potential impact of high temperatures on performance and spectator safety. ■
