SouthernWorldwide.com – As the World Cup quarterfinals approach, with Norway facing England in Miami, the weather forecast is a significant factor alongside the on-field talent.
The highly anticipated match is scheduled for Saturday, July 11, at 5 p.m. ET. Both teams are vying for a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals, and the conditions of heat and humidity are expected to play a role.
England, led by stars like Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Declan Rice, is aiming for their first semifinals appearance since 2018. They face a challenge from Norway, captained by Erling Haaland, a team that has never reached the men’s World Cup semifinals.
Both Kane and Haaland are contenders for the Golden Boot award, recognizing the tournament’s top goalscorer. They are in competition with other prominent players like Lionel Messi of Argentina and Kylian Mbappé of France.
According to FOX Weather, the forecast for the match in Miami indicates temperatures in the 90s with partly cloudy skies. The Risk of Weather Impact (ROWI) is rated as medium.
A heat advisory is in effect for Miami until 7 p.m. local time on Saturday, July 11. The current heat index is expected to reach a significant 108 degrees Fahrenheit.
The extreme heat and humidity at the World Cup have led to the implementation of mandatory hydration breaks. These are three-minute stoppages, occurring at the midpoint of each half, allowing players to regroup and rehydrate on the sidelines.
Thunderstorms have been the primary cause for weather-related delays in the tournament. Play is immediately halted if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius of a stadium. Play can only resume 30 minutes after the last lightning strike, with no further occurrences.
Similar to other sports, a countdown begins after a lightning strike. The match can only restart safely after the 30-minute period without further lightning. Any new lightning detection resets this countdown, potentially leading to delays of several hours if thunderstorms are persistent.
FIFA does not have a set time limit for abandoning a match. Each situation is evaluated individually on a case-by-case basis.
Earlier in the tournament, the Mexico vs. England round of 16 game in Mexico City on July 5 experienced a one-hour delay due to weather. England ultimately won that match against Mexico with a score of 3-2.
Similarly, the Mexico vs. Ecuador round of 32 game in Mexico City on June 30 was delayed for an hour due to weather conditions. Mexico emerged victorious over Ecuador with a 2-0 scoreline once play resumed.
In a group stage match on June 23, France vs. Iraq in Philadelphia was suspended mid-game for two hours due to weather. France was leading 1-0 at the time of the suspension and went on to win the match 3-0 after play recommenced.
