By Natalia Rueda 
As Copa America heats up in Arizona, so do the rising temperatures in the state. With record heat waves hitting the region, players from the Colombia and Costa Rica teams face a new challenge on the field: extreme heat, with temperatures in excess of 104°F (40°C) on the field.
Today’s game on Friday, June 28 marks one of the hottest games in tournament history when the two teams square off at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. The extreme weather not only poses risks for the players, but also challenges their physical and mental abilities to persevere in the intense heat.
With the high temperatures combined with the demanding physical activity of the game, players are at risk for dehydration, heat exhaustion and even heat stroke. It’s a dangerous gamble that no team can afford to take lightly. Colombian national team striker Jhon Durán called the heat “infernal” and admitted that he had never before experienced such intense temperatures.
To mitigate these risks, both teams have had to adapt their training schedules, moving sessions to the evening hours. This change is necessary to avoid the sweltering heat of the day, although it makes the situation even more exhausting. Fortunately, once inside the stadium, which is roofed and air-conditioned, the players will be able to play in more manageable temperatures of around 26°C (79°F).
Despite the difficult conditions, the excitement and intensity of the Copa America in Arizona remains as the players of Colombia and Costa Rica face off in this highly anticipated match.