World Cup fans weigh in on Kansas City’s heat, FIFA hydration breaks
Mitchell Kaminski
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
Triple-digit heat indexes and temperatures in the 90s have become one of the defining storylines of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but fans gathering in Kansas City for Friday night’s knockout-round match between Colombia and Ghana said the sweltering conditions in the afternoon have done little to dampen the experience.
With extreme heat expected to last until 8 p.m., just before kickoff of Colombia and Ghana, thousands of supporters flocked to the FIFA Fan Fest, where organizers installed hydration stations, cooling fans and misting areas to help visitors stay cool throughout the day.
For many Colombian supporters, the weather was nothing out of the ordinary.
“We live in Florida; we are pretty much used to this. There is a nice breeze right now, which feels nice. Anyone coming from anywhere else, probably not used to this,” said Nico, of Naples, Florida.
Hector Lozardo, a Colombian native who traveled from Orlando, said summer tournaments have always brought hot conditions.
“These are always played on in summer and it is always hot pretty much everywhere. So I’m really kind of accustomed to that. So I don’t mind, plus, the water, the hydration stations and the fans and the shade, I think that helps,” Lozardo said.
The heat hasn’t just been felt by fans it has also changed what they see on the pitch.
For the first time in World Cup history, FIFA has implemented mandatory three-minute hydration stoppages around the 22nd minute of each half to help players cope with the extreme temperatures.
While FIFA officials have said it is for player safety, many have been skeptical of the true intentions behind the change. Many fans online argue that FIFA is just trying to fit in more commercial breaks.
Coaches have also argued the stoppages give teams an unearned opportunity to make tactical adjustments mid-match, potentially shifting momentum. U.S Men’s Natioanl Team coach Mauricio Pochettino, was one of several coaches who have spoken out against the change, saying that “it is unnecessary.”
While some fans ABC 17 News spoke with generally understood the reasoning behind the change, several said they were not sold on its affect on the game.
“As a long-standing soccer fan, it does interrupt the flow. So we don’t like it, but I guess we accept it,” Lozardo said.
Despite the heat and the debate surrounding the new hydration breaks, fans said the atmosphere in Kansas City has exceeded expectations. Lozardo, who has attended multiple World Cup events, called this year’s tournament experience in Kansas City a step forward.
“This is definetly an upgrade like America!” Lozardo said. “This is wonderful. The Fan Fest, it’s much bigger. There are a lot more attractions and the atmosphere is amazing.”