Madrid authorities have suspended the public broadcast of Spain’s World Cup match against Saudi Arabia in Colón Plaza. The decision follows an orange alert for high temperatures and aims to protect public safety.
The City of Madrid has called off the planned public screening of Spain’s upcoming World Cup football match against Saudi Arabia in Colón Plaza, citing severe heat risks. The move comes after the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (Aemet) issued an orange alert for high temperatures, with forecasts predicting up to 39 degrees Celsius in the capital this weekend. The decision, reached jointly by the Ayuntamiento de Madrid and the Real Federación Española de Fútbol (RFEF), was announced through official channels and social media on Friday.
Just five days ago, thousands of fans gathered in Colón Plaza, draped in Spanish flags and equipped with sun hats and sunglasses, to watch Spain’s opening match against Cabo Verde. The same scene was expected this Sunday for the 18:00 kickoff against Saudi Arabia. However, with the heatwave intensifying, authorities have opted to prioritize public safety by suspending all activities in the Fan Zone, including the live broadcast on the giant screen installed for the tournament.
The RFEF had set up the large screen in Colón Plaza to show all of Spain’s World Cup matches scheduled before 22:00. Now, both the city council and the federation are urging supporters to follow the match from air-conditioned venues and to heed any instructions from emergency and civil protection services. The vice-mayor, Inma Sanz, had previously warned that outdoor screenings would be subject to weather conditions and municipal protocols, especially during periods of extreme heat.
In addition to the cancellation, Madrid has activated phase 1 of its emergency plan for high temperatures, known as CALORMAD. The Fan Zone, a dedicated area next to the screen designed to accommodate thousands of supporters, was only recently inaugurated by actor Tom Holland. All scheduled events there are now suspended until further notice. This approach mirrors how other major sporting events have adapted to weather-related risks in recent years, as seen when the Brno MotoGP circuit returned to the calendar after a hiatus, with organizers implementing new safety measures for both fans and participants (read more about recent event adaptations here).
Heatwaves have become increasingly common in Spain, with the Aemet frequently issuing alerts during the summer months. Public health authorities emphasize the dangers of prolonged exposure to high temperatures, particularly in crowded outdoor settings. The suspension of the Colón Plaza screening highlights the growing need for flexible event planning as climate conditions become more unpredictable. For now, Madrid’s focus remains on minimizing health risks and ensuring that large gatherings do not put residents or visitors in harm’s way.
