England are set to take on Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday evening at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, with kick-off scheduled for 10pm BST. However, extreme weather conditions could cause disruption.
Heat Advisory and Thunderstorm Risk
The US National Weather Service has issued an urgent heat advisory, warning that temperatures could feel as hot as 43°C. Saharan dust has further worsened conditions for players and spectators. Additionally, thunderstorms are forecast in Miami over the weekend. Under FIFA rules, any lightning within an eight-mile radius of the stadium will trigger an automatic suspension of play. Players cannot return to the field until at least 30 minutes after the last detected lightning strike.
Potential World Cup Repeat
This is not the first time weather has threatened matches at the 2026 World Cup. England's last-16 win over Mexico was postponed by over an hour due to severe conditions, and France's group stage game with Iraq was halted at half-time for two hours due to torrential downpours.
Official Advisory
The National Weather Service has cautioned that the combination of high temperatures and humidity on Friday could lead to heat-related illnesses. Officials urge people to "drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors," according to a statement.
