World Cup passion trumps Miami heat for Uruguay and Cape Verde fans

MIAMI — Fans arriving for Sunday’s World Cup clash between Uruguay and Cape Verde in Miami were met with sweltering heat, but supporters from both sides said their passion for football was enough to overcome the challenging conditions.

With temperatures reaching around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), fans sought shade, carried water bottles, and applied sunscreen as they made their way to Miami Stadium.

Uruguay fan Eduardo Bonbaloff described the conditions in blunt terms.

“Too hot! Too hot. Incredible. Incredible. Terrible. Very hot,” he said.

Others took a more philosophical view, saying the opportunity to watch their team at the World Cup outweighed the discomfort.

“The weather is too hot and we are almost in the 100-degree (Fahrenheit) feeling, but with water and the passion for soccer, it pays it all,” said Uruguay supporter Valery Moncher, her face dripping with sweat.

The oppressive heat has become a recurring talking point at the expanded 2026 World Cup, with players and coaches raising concerns about its impact on performance and player welfare.

Still, for some Cape Verde supporters, the tropical conditions felt familiar.

“This weather is at home,” said fan Vladimir Trkal. “It’s our weather. Tropical weather.”

Fellow supporter Pedro Keouga echoed the sentiment.

“That’s true. The weather doesn’t matter,” he said.

Others emphasized the importance of staying hydrated throughout the day.

“It’s extremely hot today,” said one Cape Verde fan. “The way to keep hydrated, you need to drink water and ice water all the time to keep yourself hydrated.”

Despite the heat, the atmosphere around the stadium remained festive, with fans dressed in sky blue and Cape Verdean colors mingling outside the venue ahead of a match that could have significant implications for qualification from Group H.

Uruguay supporters, in particular, said they were determined not to let the weather dampen the experience.

“Our players are playing 90 minutes. We can last with them when we’re not even running,” said Emiliano Chirigliano. “We’re here to have fun.” -Editing by Ed Osmond/Reuters