Madrid screening of Spain v Saudi Arabia cancelled due to heat

Madrid city officials and the Spanish football federation cancelled a planned public screening of Spain’s World Cup match against Saudi Arabia in central Madrid after Spain’s weather agency issued an orange heat warning.

The screening was due to take place in Plaza de Colón, where supporters had been set to gather for the 6pm local-time kick-off on Sunday, June 21, 2026. Forecast temperatures for the capital were around 39C to 40C.

Officials said the decision was taken to protect the health of attendees, event staff and support services. Reports also said all planned fan-zone activities in Colón were cancelled.

Why the screening was cancelled

Madrid was under an orange warning from AEMET as the city faced an intense heatwave. According to local reports, the city council and the Real Federación Española de Fútbol agreed to suspend the public viewing because conditions were expected to be unsafe for a large outdoor crowd.

The screening had been arranged for Spain’s World Cup matches that start before 10pm local time, but Madrid had previously said it would depend on weather conditions and emergency protocols.

What supporters were told

Authorities advised fans to follow the match indoors in air-conditioned spaces and avoid prolonged exposure to the heat.

The cancellation adds a public-safety dimension to the tournament schedule in Madrid, where extreme temperatures are disrupting plans for outdoor gatherings as much as the football itself.

Broader context

Spain is in the middle of a wider heatwave affecting much of the country. The Madrid cancellation is one of the clearest examples so far of how extreme weather is forcing organizers to change plans for public events during the tournament.