FIFA World Cup: France prepared for heatwave ahead of Paraguay encounter

Head coach Didier Deschamps said on Friday that his players are prepared to deal with whatever conditions they encounter, as the northeastern United States continues to endure an intense heatwave.

The match is set to begin at 5:00 pm local time (23:00 SAST), with the US National Weather Service's extreme heat warning remaining in force until Saturday evening. Philadelphia reached 38°C on Friday, while weather alerts remain active across the area.

The city will also mark the 250th anniversary of American independence on the same day the knockout encounter is staged.

France have already experienced disrupted conditions in Philadelphia during the group stage, when their 3-0 victory over Iraq was interrupted by a two-hour storm delay.

Concerns over player welfare in such conditions have previously been highlighted by global players' union FIFPro, which warned during last year's Club World Cup in the United States about the risks of competing in extreme weather.

"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.

"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.

"This will be our fifth game at the tournament and that will have an impact as well, but I am not fixated on the heat."

Deschamps has a virtually full-strength squad available, with only Marcus Thuram unavailable through injury, as France aim to continue their impressive tournament form. 

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