Madrid city council and the Royal Spanish Football Federation canceled a public screening of Spain's World Cup match at Plaza de Colón after an orange heat warning and forecast temperatures of up to 40C.
Madrid city council and the Royal Spanish Football Federation have canceled a public screening of Spain's World Cup match against Saudi Arabia at Plaza de Colón in central Madrid after officials warned of dangerous heat.
The screening had been scheduled for Sunday evening, but authorities scrapped it after Spain's weather agency AEMET issued an orange alert for the Madrid region and temperatures were forecast to reach about 39C to 40C.
Why the screening was canceled
City hall said the decision was taken to protect the health of attendees, event staff and support services. Officials also advised fans to watch the match indoors in air-conditioned spaces and avoid prolonged exposure to the heat.
The fan zone at Colón had already hosted supporters for Spain's earlier World Cup match against Cape Verde, and the RFEF had installed a giant screen there for Spain's early tournament games.
What happens next
It was not immediately clear whether Madrid would announce an alternative viewing venue or reschedule the public broadcast. The cancellation comes as much of Spain remains under intense June heat, and further restrictions could depend on whether the orange alert stays in place through the match window.
Revision note
Initial automated publication.