England’s World Cup home in Kansas City is set to be hit by a dangerous heatwave as temperatures rise as they prepare for Wednesday’s Round of 32 clash with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
England stars like Trevor Chalobah (pictured) need to stay hydrated and cool
England’s World Cup training camp in Kansas City will be marked by a ‘Heat Dome’ ahead of their last-32 clash with the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Atlanta. Coach Thomas Tuchel’s side have tried to adapt to North America’s hot and humid climate throughout the tournament, but a scorching heat wave that will hit Missouri in the days leading up to Friday night will make conditions almost unbearable.
A threatening heat dome will engulf the central and eastern United States this week, with heat index temperatures (a combination of temperature and humidity) soaring into triple digits in some areas. The heat index is expected to reach 43.3 degrees Celsius (110 degrees Fahrenheit) before the finals.
Host cities such as Boston, Philadelphia and Kansas City are all expected to be hit hard by the sweltering temperatures, an added concern because their respective stadiums are outdoor venues with little cover.
“This week is going to be very hot,” said Jeff Cornish, assistant chief video meteorologist for weather forecasting company AccuWeather. “This will be a significant heatwave of unprecedented magnitude.”
The National Weather Service issued a heat warning for Philadelphia and other East Coast areas from Wednesday afternoon through Saturday evening. The warning suggests daytime temperatures could reach “feel-like” levels of up to 110°F (43.3°C), forcing FIFA to revise the timing of its fan festival in Philadelphia.
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The New York City area is also seeing near-record high temperatures of nearly 43 degrees Celsius, which could mean little rest through the night. A heat warning will be in place from Wednesday afternoon until Saturday evening. Weather warnings have been in effect since Wednesday morning as the heat index could soar to 44 degrees in Boston and much of southern New England.
“This level of heat can be deadly for people who do not have adequate cooling and hydration,” the National Weather Service said, adding that it could also affect transportation and electrical and water systems.
FIFA’s three-minute hydration break, which takes place once every 23 minutes during a match, is controversial because it is used as an advertising break. However, in situations like this, players and staff need all the hydration and time in the shade to protect themselves from the heat.
England train in Kansas City, Missouri (Image: CHANDAN KHANNA, AFP via Getty Images)
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There are concerns that this heat may cause exertional heat stroke. Exertional heat stroke is a condition in which the body temperature becomes too high due to strenuous exercise on a scorching hot day, causing a great deal of stress. Symptoms include extreme fatigue, decreased performance, headaches, irritability, nausea, dizziness, cramps, and dehydration.
Before the World Cup, Tuchel admitted his players would struggle to cope with North America’s rising temperatures and humidity after a draining season. But he added that the Germans will be prepared for any eventuality.
“Conditions are not our biggest enemy, but they are not favorable to players who have had a long and very difficult season,” Tuchel said in early June.
“When you play in Mexico, you are not used to this kind of heat and humidity and even high altitude. There will be many challenges in this World Cup, the heat being one of them, but we are already prepared.”
Tuchel has taken this matter seriously and, as he said, has prepared with great care. In June 2025, the German coach instructed his team to take a specially devised digital capsule during a warm-weather training camp to measure their internal temperature and record how quickly they cooled down.
England manager Thomas Tuchel prepares for heat
Athletes also trained in specially heated tents to recreate competition conditions. “We know the players’ individual reactions to the heat and have put cooling strategies in place,” Tuchel said.
“We have worked with Team GB and experts from around the world to come up with solutions to help our players adapt. We know exactly how long we want our players to be exposed in pre-camp, the ideal amount of time they should train in the sun and not to overdo it.”
The greatest dangers for spectators, volunteers and workers may lie outside the stadium in fan zones, traffic routes, parking lots and outdoor celebrations. Fans who gulp down beer and other alcohol can also be at risk due to its dehydrating effects.
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