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Heat forces cancellation of Spain’s giant screen in Colón
Madrid missed out on one of the most anticipated sights of Spain’s second match in the 2026 World Cup. The giant screen planned in Plaza de Colón to follow the España-Arabia Saudí match was cancelled due to extreme heat, on a day marked by an orange alert and temperatures that made it unfeasible to gather thousands of fans outdoors.
The decision was made by the Real Federación Española de Fútbol and the Ayuntamiento de Madrid before the match, which took place on Sunday 21 June at 18:00. The forecast pointed to highs of up to 39 degrees during the afternoon, just when the fan zone in Colón was due to open.
The cancellation affected the entire Plaza Selección, not just the match broadcast. The activities planned for the fan area, intended to make Colón the main meeting point for the Selección during the World Cup, were also suspended.
The reason was strictly preventive. With the high temperature alert in place, the authorities prioritised the safety of attendees, organisational staff and support services. The recommendation was to watch the match from air-conditioned spaces and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
The measure came during a particularly tough weekend for Madrid. The heat affected plans, schedules and outdoor activities, and once again showed to what extent major urban events increasingly depend on weather conditions, especially when held in squares without enough shade.
The contrast was clear: while Colón remained without the planned giant screen, Spain secured a convincing 4-0 victory over Arabia Saudí in their second World Cup match. The win allowed the Selección to regain confidence after their opening draw against Cabo Verde.
For many fans, the cancellation changed their plans at the last minute. Those who had planned to watch the match in the street had to move to bars, homes, covered terraces or venues with air conditioning. The collective celebration was reduced, but the result kept World Cup enthusiasm high.
The episode leaves a practical lesson for Madrid: summer fan zones need more than screens, sound and atmosphere. In a city increasingly exposed to heatwaves, shade, water, schedules and alternative plans are now part of organising any major outdoor event.