A summer World Cup in the United States was always likely to face extreme heat, but temperatures during this week’s knockout matches could create hazardous conditions for both players and fans.

A powerful heat dome is expected to blanket much of the central and eastern United States, driving heat index values, which combine air temperature and humidity, into the triple digits in some areas. Several World Cup host cities, including Boston, Philadelphia and Kansas City, Missouri, all home to open-air stadiums, are forecast to experience well above-average temperatures.

“This week is going to be very, very hot,” said Geoff Cornish, assistant chief video meteorologist at AccuWeather. “This is going to be a significant heat wave, the likes of which we don’t see every single year.”

Fears over extreme heat at the tournament, being staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico, have been building for months. Scientists say human-caused climate change, driven largely by the burning of fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal, is making heat waves more frequent and intense. In the United States, extreme heat claims more lives each year than any other weather-related hazard, including hurricanes, floods and tornadoes, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Here’s a preview of how hot it will get, how cities, stadiums and FIFA have prepared for the threat, and how to stay cool.

The National Weather Service issued an extreme heat watch for Philadelphia and surrounding areas starting Wednesday afternoon through Saturday evening, with dangerously high heat index values, or “feels-like” temperatures, reaching up to 43.3 degrees Celsius (110 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day. As a result, FIFA’s Fan Festival in Philadelphia is shifting its hours this week, including Saturday’s watch party, which will end at the conclusion of the 1:00 p.m. match.

“It’s going to be sweltering and dangerous for anybody who’s spending a long period of time outside unprepared for the heat,” Cornish said.

An extreme heat warning is also in effect for Kansas City and other parts of west-central Missouri through Friday night, with heat index values as high as 40.6 to 43.3 degrees Celsius (105 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit) expected.

The New York City area could see near-record heat index values of up to 42.8 degrees Celsius (109 degrees Fahrenheit), with little overnight relief. An extreme heat watch will be in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Saturday evening.

“This level of heat can be deadly for those without adequate cooling and hydration,” the National Weather Service said, adding that it could also affect transportation and electrical and water systems.

The heat index in Boston and much of southern New England could climb to 43.9 degrees Celsius (111 degrees Fahrenheit), with the extreme heat watch beginning Wednesday morning.

Players have medical staff, mandatory three-minute cooling breaks midway through each half and other heat safeguards. But even the most highly trained elite athletes are vulnerable to exertional heat illness.

This occurs when the body’s temperature rises too high because of intense physical activity in hot conditions. Symptoms include extreme fatigue, impaired performance, headache, irritability, nausea, dizziness, cramping and dehydration. Exertional heat stroke requires immediate medical attention and is the third-leading cause of death among athletes.

Heat also lowers game intensity. Players adapt by reducing how much they sprint, the distance they cover and the risks they take. In a 2023 survey by World Athletics, the global governing body for track and field, 75% of responding athletes said climate change was negatively affecting their health and athletic performance.

For spectators, volunteers and workers, the greatest dangers may be outside the stadiums in fan zones, along transportation routes, in parking lots and during outdoor celebrations, where they are more likely to be exposed to the heat for hours. Many soccer fans also drink alcohol while watching the World Cup. Doing so in extreme heat increases the risk of dehydration.

Some cities and stadiums have increased access to shade, cooling areas and water for spectators and workers and said they will issue heat advisories to the public. Medical personnel also will be stationed at FIFA Fan Festivals and around stadiums during matches to treat heat-related illnesses.

Drinking plenty of fluids, seeking shade or air conditioning and staying out of direct sunlight can help protect against heat-related illness. If you have to be outside, wear light, loose-fitting clothing and limit strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day. Cooling fans or towels and icy drinks, such as slushies, can also help.

Limit the amount of alcohol you drink and hydrate before temperatures climb, said Maggie Aldousany, associate clinical professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences at the University of Miami.

“It’s really important to realize that it’s not enough to wait until you get thirsty,” she said. “Even if you’re going to one of the games in person or celebrating in your hometown with a backyard barbecue, make sure you’re thinking about hydration in the days leading up to it and not just waiting until the morning of the event.”

Spectators can check whether they are adequately hydrated by looking at the color of their urine. A light yellow color is generally a good sign.

People taking certain medications, older adults and those who are not acclimated to the heat are among those at greatest risk.

“If somebody realizes that they’re hot, but they’re not sweating, or if they begin to feel a little bit dizzy, those are signs that they really need to take a break, get inside, find some cooling and drink plenty of water,” Cornish said. “And if they really begin to experience significant symptoms, they need to seek medical attention right away.”

The former Barcelona striker and Poland’s all-time leading scorer, Robert Lewandowski, is poised to join Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire.

The Fire confirmed Monday that they have agreed to a two-year deal with Lewandowski, pending visa approval and the completion of his international transfer certificate.

He arrives at a Chicago side sitting third in the Eastern Conference with 26 points from 14 matches at the league’s break for the World Cup.

The club, which opened a new training facility last year, is also pressing ahead with plans for McDonald’s Park, a football-specific stadium scheduled to open in 2028.

Lewandowski, who turns 38 on Aug. 21, could make his debut July 16 against Vancouver. He helped Barcelona win three La Liga titles in four seasons, including this year, and the Copa del Rey, Spain’s domestic cup competition. He scored 119 goals in 192 appearances for the club.

Lewandowski bid an emotional farewell at Camp Nou on May 17, when he was lifted into the air by teammates after a 3-1 victory over Real Betis. Players also lined up to applaud him as he walked toward the locker room.

He joined Barcelona from Bayern Munich in a $52 million transfer in 2022. He scored 312 goals in 384 Bundesliga matches for Bayern and earlier club Borussia Dortmund, winning 10 Bundesliga titles.

Lewandowski has also played 167 international matches for Poland, beginning with a goal on his debut against San Marino in 2008 at age 20. His 89 goals are nearly twice as many as any other Polish player. He has qualified for the World Cup twice, reaching the round of 16 in 2022.

He has hinted at international retirement after Poland failed to qualify for this year’s World Cup. Poland’s next scheduled matches are in the Nations League in September.

Lewandowski will be a designated player, one of three roster spots MLS teams can use to exceed the salary cap. His contract runs through the 2027-28 season, covering the remainder of 2026 and the 2027 mini-season next spring before the league shifts to a summer-to-spring calendar to align with the European schedule.

“We set out to build a world-class club that inspires greatness, unites Chicago and wins championships. Robert embodies those values and represents the standards this city deserves: a champion and a competitor,” Fire coach Gregg Berhalter said. “His arrival reinforces our ambition to compete for trophies and raises the standards for the club to heights worthy of this city. We cannot wait to get to work with him and have Chicago see firsthand why he is among the most revered sporting icons in the world.”

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Paraguay produced the biggest shock of the FIFA World Cup so far by eliminating four-time champions Germany in a dramatic penalty shootout on Monday, while Brazil escaped Japan with a stoppage-time winner and Morocco edged the Netherlands in another shootout to complete a gripping day of knockout football.

Germany’s hopes of another deep World Cup run came to a crushing end at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, where Julian Nagelsmann’s side suffered the nation’s first-ever defeat in a World Cup penalty shootout after winning each of their previous four.

Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill emerged as the hero, saving penalties from Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade before Jose Canale blasted home the decisive spot kick moments after Jonathan Tah fired Germany’s final attempt over the crossbar.

“We analyzed every player and every detail of the penalty takers,” Gill said. “Thank God I was able to save two penalties. This is a privilege. We eliminated a champion.”

Nagelsmann offered a blunt assessment after Germany’s stunning exit.

“We didn’t do enough today,” he said.

Paraguay make history

The South Americans looked fearless from the opening whistle and were rewarded just before halftime when Julio Enciso broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute.

Germany responded after the break through Havertz, whose composed finish in the 54th minute leveled the contest and shifted momentum toward the Europeans.

Extra time produced more drama. Tah thought he had headed Germany in front, only for VAR to rule the goal out, leaving the match locked at 1-1 and forcing penalties.

Gill’s heroics then turned the shootout decisively in Paraguay’s favor. Although Paraguay twice missed opportunities to finish the contest earlier, Canale made no mistake when the decisive chance arrived, sending the South American nation into the round of 16.

Paraguay will face either France or Sweden for a place in the quarterfinals.

Brazil escape another major upset

Brazil came within seconds of one of the tournament’s biggest surprises before Gabriel Martinelli rescued the five-time champions with a dramatic 95th-minute winner in a tense 2-1 victory over Japan in Houston.

Japan looked poised to produce a famous upset after Kaishu Sano capped a lightning counterattack with a superb finish in the 29th minute.

Brazil gradually asserted control after halftime and equalized in the 56th minute when Casemiro powered a header into the far corner following an inviting cross from Gabriel Magalhaes.

The match appeared destined for extra time until Japan surrendered possession in stoppage time. Ao Tanaka was dispossessed near his own penalty area, allowing Martinelli to collect the loose ball, steady himself and drive home the winner that spared Brazil from an embarrassing exit.

“I can’t find the words to describe the joy in my heart,” Martinelli said. “Seeing all those fans on their feet, my parents, my friends. I can’t explain it.”

Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu praised his players despite the heartbreaking defeat.

“Even people who don’t really know or pay much attention to football have come to see that Japan is fighting to become world champion and is growing and challenging itself,” he said.

Brazil will meet either Ivory Coast or Norway in the round of 16.

Morocco prevail after emotional Dutch collapse

Morocco also needed penalties to reach the last 16, defeating the Netherlands 3-2 after a dramatic 1-1 draw in Monterrey to set up a meeting with co-hosts Canada.

The match carried added emotion for the Dutch after Cody Gakpo, playing only days after he and partner Noa van der Bij announced the loss of their unborn son, gave the Netherlands a 72nd-minute lead.

The Liverpool forward capped a flowing move after Crysencio Summerville’s determined run created the opening, seemingly putting Ronald Koeman’s side on course for victory.

Morocco, however, refused to fold.

Deep into stoppage time, Chemsdine Talbi delivered a dangerous cross that Issa Diop glanced past Bart Verbruggen, stunning the Dutch and forcing extra time.

Verbruggen kept the Netherlands alive with an outstanding point-blank save from Soufiane Rahimi during extra time, but the match eventually came down to penalties.

The shootout swung repeatedly. Teun Koopmeiners converted the Netherlands’ opening kick before Neil El Aynaoui missed for Morocco. Achraf Hakimi then struck the post, handing the Dutch another opportunity to seize control.

Instead, substitute Justin Kluivert and Quinten Timber both failed from the spot, while Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made the defining save by denying Summerville’s fifth penalty.

That left Ismael Saibari, who had scored in each of Morocco’s three group-stage matches, with the chance to finish the job. The midfielder confidently fired into the bottom-left corner as Verbruggen guessed the wrong way, sealing Morocco’s place in the knockout stage.

The defeat continued the Netherlands’ frustrating record in World Cup shootouts. Although the Dutch have not lost a World Cup match in regulation time since 2006, they have now been eliminated in three of their last four penalty shootouts at the tournament.

Morocco coach Mohammed Ouahbi praised his team’s resilience.

“We needed calm and to realize our abilities,” he said. “We deserved to qualify. Sometimes you have to accept winning in this way when it is a knockout match.”

Koeman was left to rue his side’s inability to close out the game.

“Maybe at times Morocco had the better opportunities, the most dangerous moments, but we were leading and they didn’t really see a solution,” he said. “Then there was a lucky assist that scored a goal, and that’s obviously even more bitter when it’s in injury time.”

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With Carlos Alcaraz sidelined by a wrist injury and retired legend Rafa Nadal relaxing on his boat off Mallorca, Spain has found a new Wimbledon contender in rising teenage star Rafael Jodar.

The ⁠19-year-old made his main draw debut at the All England Club on Monday and looked immediately at home in his ​first professional match on a grass court ​as he ⁠eased to a 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 victory over British wildcard Felix Gill.

Facing a callow Spaniard in the first match on a lush Court Three might have been seen as an opportunity for 220th-ranked Gill to cause an upset against the 23rd seed.

But that never looked remotely likely as Jodar emulated two-time Wimbledon champions Alcaraz and Nadal by reaching the second round as a teenage debutant.

“It was a very tough match and Felix played very well,” Jodar said ⁠on ⁠court. “I feel my game is very good on this surface even though I haven’t played much on it, so I need to get used to it. That’s why I came early to Wimbledon to have a few more days. Now it’s on to the second match.”

Ranked around 500 in the world a year ago, the 1.9-meter Jodar has rocketed up the rankings since ⁠and announced himself on the big stage by reaching the French Open quarterfinals this year on his debut, having won his first ATP title in Marrakech.

While Spanish ​players used to be renowned as claycourt warriors whose weapons were rendered ​harmless on the lawns, Nadal and then Alcaraz changed all that.

With a hugely powerful baseline game, a potent serve and ⁠an ability to ‌mix it up, Jodar showed he will be ⁠a threat in a dominant display against ‌the willing Gill.

Only when he went a break down early in the third ​set did it look as ⁠though he might get dragged into a duel, ⁠but he quickly found another gear, breaking back twice to wrap ⁠up a quick ​win.

Jodar’s next assignment promised to be a tougher one against vastly experienced fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta.

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Stephen Eustaquio scored from a powerful 92nd-minute strike from the edge of the penalty area to give Canada a 1-0 win over South Africa Sunday, sending the co-hosts into the World Cup last 16 for the first time in their history.

Eustaquio received the ball on the edge of ⁠the South Africa penalty area and powered it past diving goalkeeper Ronwen Williams in a thrilling conclusion to the first knockout-round match of the World Cup.

South Africa, who had had seemed content to play for extra time and a possible penalty ​shootout, made a few furious but unsuccessful attempts to level before the final whistle as the ​sun ⁠broke through the clouds at Los Angeles Stadium.

Canada will next face either the Netherlands or Morocco on July 4 in Houston for a place in the quarterfinals.

“We just kept believing, we kept pushing and I think we couldn’t have imagined it any other way,” Eustaquio said.

“It was an amazing goal. When I shot it, I felt everybody shot it with me. Everybody put a little bit of power on it, and it went to the back of the net, so I’m very happy.”

Canada coach Jesse Marsch said his team had chances throughout the match but were not “lethal enough.”

“And then it falls to Steph and I just hope he’ll put it on frame and give it a chance and he buries it,” Marsch said.

“The hard work from these guys, the character – they’re Canadian heroes. That’s what I told them at the end. They are now Canadian heroes. I’m so happy for them.”

Tense match in LA

Chances were scarce in a cagey first half, with little to separate the ⁠sides, ⁠who were both playing in the knockout rounds for the first time.

Canada’s best opening came just before halftime when a corner sparked a scramble in the South Africa box, Moise Bombito sending a header goalward that was cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba before Tajon Buchanan’s close-range effort struck Williams in the chest.

Moments later, Richie Laryea went down in the area, prompting Canadian appeals for a penalty, but the decision not to award a spot kick stood after a VAR review, prompting loud boos from Canada’s red-clad army of supporters, who dominated the stands.

Marsch continued to protest as the teams left the field at halftime, with Bombito appearing to urge him away from the referee.

Frustration grew for Canada in the second half as South Africa showed little urgency to press forward while maintaining an ⁠impenetrable defense.

Canada had another chance just before the second-half hydration break when Tani Oluwaseyi’s shot hit the keeper and Jonathan David was unable to head the ricochet home thanks to an excellent defensive effort by Mbekezeli Mbokazi to clear the ball.

But Eustaquio’s strike deep in stoppage time ended Canada’s torment and sent their supporters into ​raptures.

Having advanced from the group stage for the first time in three World Cup appearances, the co-hosts had to play their first game outside ​Canada at this year’s World Cup Sunday, with only three days’ rest after a disappointing 2-1 defeat by Switzerland in their final group-stage match Wednesday.

‘We’re going to be ready’

Canada, who have battled injuries, were boosted by Bombito’s return to the starting ⁠lineup and captain ‌Alphonso Davies’ comeback ‌off the bench, the Bayern Munich wide player providing a second-half spark in his 2026 World ⁠Cup debut.

Marsch said he was flying to Mexico later Sunday to see the ‌Netherlands take on Morocco at Estadio Monterrey Monday.

“We’re going to be ready to throw everything we have at a giant,” he said.

South Africa can hold their heads high after ​reaching the knockout stage for the first time ⁠in four attempts, though they will rue a tame exit.

“Everyone is sad,” said Teboho Mokoena, who added ⁠that he had come agonisingly close to preventing the winner.

“If I had taken three more steps, I could have stopped that shot,” he said.

The match ⁠marked the World Cup finale ​for 74-year-old South Africa coach Hugo Broos and potentially brings down the curtain on a career spanning more than five decades as both a player and manager.

“I will see in the next days what I will do for the future,” he said.

“For sure, this is my last World Cup.”

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The World Cup knockout stages continue Tuesday with a pair of compelling Round of 32 matchups, where a star-studded France will face a gritty Sweden side and Norway will unleash a well-rested Erling Haaland against a highly versatile Ivory Coast.

France swept through Group I with a perfect record, scoring 10 goals in victories over Senegal, Iraq, and Norway. Their frontline of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise has formed arguably the most devastating attacking unit in the tournament.

However, head coach Didier Deschamps still has defensive and transitional issues to solve on the left side of his team before squaring off against Sweden.

Theo Hernandez has failed to fully convince at left back. As a result, Lucas Digne is expected to enter the starting lineup to provide greater defensive security and steadier delivery from wide areas.

Further up the pitch on the left wing, Bradley Barcola is projected to replace Desire Doue. Deschamps is looking for more direct running, transitional pace, and natural width to counterbalance the heavy right-side bias of the Olise-Mbappe-Dembele axis.

These adjustments aim to give France a more coherent shape against a Sweden team likely to defend deep, threaten on set pieces and exploit spaces behind a French defense that has occasionally been caught off guard.

Fortunately for Les Bleus, the return of William Saliba to central defense will inject much-needed stability. If the starters falter, France boast unmatched bench power with options like Doue, Rayan Cherki, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Marcus Thuram.

Sweden, on the other hand, arrive as awkward, highly organized opponents rather than spectacular ones. They finished second in Group F behind the Netherlands, sandwiching a 5-1 loss to the Dutch between a 5-1 thrashing of Tunisia and a 1-1 draw with Japan.

Armed with physical presence and top-tier talent like Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres and Anthony Elanga, Sweden can make life uncomfortable if France lose their patience.

Despite occasional defensive lapses, France have not lost a World Cup knockout game since 2014, excluding the legendary 2022 final against Argentina. Former England great Gary Lineker remains highly skeptical of a Swedish upset.

“I don’t buy it. Sweden have Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres and Anthony Elanga. They are not a bad side, but they are nowhere near France’s firepower,” Lineker told French sports daily L’Equipe.

“Of course, with four genuine forwards, Les Bleus could be vulnerable on the counter, as we saw against Norway’s second string on Friday, but they will score more goals than the other teams,” he said.

The winner of this clash will advance to the Round of 16 to face either Germany or Paraguay.

Norway Meet Ivorians in Dallas

In Tuesday’s other high-profile fixture, Norway face Ivory Coast in Dallas, where Erling Haaland will command the spotlight. The predatory Norwegian striker already has four goals in just two appearances this tournament.

Haaland is set to return to the starting lineup after being rested during Norway’s final group game against France, alongside the majority of the team’s first-choice squad.

Norway coach Stale Solbakken defended his tactical decision to rest 10 core players as a “no-brainer” due to severe squad fatigue.

“This is simple. We did a summary after (their second game against) Senegal, and the entire defence and some midfielders were very affected,” Solbakken said.

He will likely be relieved that Dallas’s midday kickoff will not be marred by oppressive heat, thanks to the stadium’s climate-cooling technology.

Ivory Coast will focus heavily on containing Haaland, a task that falls on a defense featuring highly rated 22-year-old Ousmane Diomande, who is widely expected to leave Sporting Lisbon for the English Premier League this summer.

However, Ivorian coach Emerse Fae also intends to play on the front foot to keep Haaland starved of possession.

The Ivorians possess an exciting, deep attacking arsenal of their own. The squad features nine attacking options, including teenage sensation Yan Diomande, resurgent former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe, who scored twice against Curacao, and Inter Milan’s Ange-Yoan Bonny, who switched his international allegiance from France just before the tournament.

“I think that spreading the goals around is a real strength of ours, which we can use to catch our opponents off guard and be a threat from all over the pitch, including players coming off the bench to make a telling contribution,” Fae said.

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