MADRID, June 21, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The public screening of Spain's World Cup 
match against Saudi Arabia in Madrid later on Sunday has been cancelled 
because of extreme heat forecast for the Spanish capital, officials said.

The match, due to kick off at 6 pm local time on Sunday, had been scheduled 
to be shown on a giant screen installed by the Spanish football federation 
(RFEF) at a fan zone in Plaza de Colon in central Madrid.

Madrid city council and the federation decided to cancel the screening after 
national weather agency AEMET issued an orange heat warning - the second-
highest level -- for the Madrid region, with temperatures forecast to reach 
40C.

"The decision has been taken with the aim of protecting the health of 
attendees, event staff and support services involved in the event," Madrid 
city hall said in a statement, apologising for any inconvenience caused.

Officials urged supporters to watch the match indoors in air-conditioned 
spaces and avoid prolonged exposure to the heat.

Large parts of Spain are experiencing unusually high temperatures for June as 
a mass of hot air from North Africa moves across the Iberian Peninsula.

A total of 13 of Spain's 17 regions are on orange alert for heat on Sunday, 
while the northern Basque Country bordering France is on red alert, the 
highest level.

Authorities advised residents and visitors to take precautions during the 
heatwave, including drinking water regularly, staying in cool environments, 
limiting outdoor physical activity during the hottest hours of the day and 
taking extra care of vulnerable people.