France braced for extreme heat threat in World Cup clash with Paraguay

France coach Didier Deschamps promised Friday his team would be able to adapt to the potential impact of extreme weather on their World Cup last-16 tie against Paraguay on Saturday as a brutal heatwave hits the northeastern United States.

The sides are due to meet Saturday in Philadelphia, the same time as the city celebrates the 250th anniversary of American independence, and with weather warnings in place in the area due to the conditions.

“We knew it would be very hot. I think tomorrow it will be a little cooler than today, and I hope there are no storms this time,” Deschamps told reporters at Lincoln Financial Field, where Saturday’s game will take place.

France have already played in Philadelphia during the group stage, and their 3-0 win over Iraq was interrupted for two hours as a storm passed overhead.

“It is something we need to take into account, but I think every team has prepared for it. It can have an impact on all the teams,” said Deschamps.