The World Cup Round of 16 is underway, bringing heightened pressure and challenging weather conditions. The knockout stage begins with Canada facing Morocco in Houston, where the retractable roof at NRG Stadium will shield players from the 95-degree heat. Meanwhile, France, led by star player Kylian Mbappé, will play Paraguay in Philadelphia under sweltering conditions, with temperatures expected to exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Mbappé, who recently scored his 17th and 18th World Cup goals, is chasing Lionel Messi’s career goals record. Fans attending the Philadelphia match will have access to misting fans and cooling tents to combat the heat. The Round of 16 matches will determine the eight quarterfinalists over the next four days, with games scheduled in various cities, including East Rutherford, Mexico City, Arlington, Seattle, Atlanta, and Vancouver. Canada seeks to avenge its 2022 loss to Morocco, aiming for a historic win.
QUESTION: How might extreme weather conditions impact the performance and safety of athletes in major sporting events?
World Cup what to know: France takes center stage in Philly heat as Round of 16 begins
