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The stars aren’t the only ones to watch during Norway’s highly anticipated World Cup quarter-final clash with England in Miami. The weather is not to be outdone.
And as the two teams prepare to face off on Saturday, July 11 at 5 p.m. ET for a chance to make the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals, heat and humidity will play a role.
Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and the rest of the Three Lions squad are looking for their first semi-final appearance since 2018, but must get past Erling Haaland and Norway, who have never made a semi-final appearance at a men’s World Cup.
Kane and Haaland are both in the running for the Golden Boot awarded to the tournament’s top scorer, alongside Argentina’s Lionel Messi and France’s Kylian Mbappé.
What is the weather forecast for Norway vs England?
According to FOX Weather, the forecast for the game in Miami is in the 90s and partly cloudy. The ROWI (Risk of Weather Impact) is average. A heat advisory is in effect until 7 p.m. local time on Saturday, July 11. The heat index is currently rated at an expected 108 degrees.
High heat and humidity were one of the reasons why hydration breaks were introduced at the World Cup. Hydration breaks are mandatory three-minute stops in the middle of each half, allowing the current roster to regroup on the sideline for water.
What are the weather delay protocols during the World Cup?
During the World Cup, thunderstorms were the main factor in weather delay protocols. Play is immediately suspended if lightning is detected within a 13 kilometer radius of a stadium and can only resume after 30 minutes without further incident.
As in other sports, a countdown begins after lightning strikes, and there should be no further lightning in the area after these conditions before the game can safely resume. Any new lightning detection resets the countdown, meaning delays can extend to several hours if storms persist.
FIFA does not have a fixed time limit after which a match must be abandoned, with each situation assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Was there a weather delay during the World Cup?
The Mexico v England Round of 16 match in Mexico City on July 5 was delayed by one hour due to weather conditions. England then beat Mexico 3-2.
The Mexico vs. Ecuador round of 16 match in Mexico City on June 30 was delayed by one hour due to weather conditions. Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 once the action began.
The France-Iraq group stage match on June 23 in Philadelphia was suspended mid-match for two hours due to weather conditions. France led Iraq 1-0 at the time of the suspension, with the Blues winning 3-0 when play resumed.
