CORNERFLICK
A severe heatwave across the eastern United States has already affected public events and is now threatening conditions for the 2026 World Cup.
Washington and New York have both recorded historic highs in recent days. Washington reached 39C on Thursday, breaking a 128-year record, while New York hit 38C and felt as hot as 40C in some areas.
Weather officials have described the conditions as dangerous, with high humidity adding to the risk of heat exhaustion. The danger is greatest for children, older people and outdoor workers, including construction crews still on site in Washington.
The heat has also forced changes to America’s 250th Independence Day celebrations, with some events delayed and extra water, medical cover and emergency crews put in place. Thunderstorms and localised storms are also a concern.
For the World Cup, the issue is straightforward: several host venues have roofs or air conditioning, but many matches will still be played in open-air stadiums. Teams involved in the tournament have already raised concerns about player welfare and the impact on match quality, increasing the likelihood of cooling breaks and other measures from FIFA.