England's World Cup quarter-final against Norway will be played in conditions that the global players' union Fifpro considers too dangerous for football, with the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature forecast to hit 28-30C – above the 28C threshold that should trigger a delay or postponement. The US National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Miami, warning of a "hazardous heat threat" as humidity makes the air feel like 41C.
England have been largely shielded from excessive heat during the tournament, playing indoor matches in Dallas and Atlanta and outdoor games in cooler, damper conditions in Boston, New Jersey and Mexico City. Norway, by contrast, have played all but one match outdoors, including their 2-1 victory over Brazil while New Jersey was under an extreme heat warning.
“England face a hazardous heat threat and Erling Haaland in Miami quarter-final”
Thomas Tuchel, the England manager, made a joke at his own expense when reminded of his past comments about wanting to sign Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund. "I always need to apologise," Tuchel said. "They don't get my humour! Anyway, were you surprised that Bild gave me an award? Yeah… there was no way out."
On the pitch, Tuchel acknowledged the threat posed by Haaland, who has scored seven goals in the World Cup. "You can't avoid focusing, for sure not," he said. "There is so much quality in these moments… He loves to arrive on the second post so the question is when to make contact with him." Tuchel also highlighted Norway's ability to play long balls to Alexander Sorloth, calling it a "team effort" but confirming "the full focus of our central defenders will be on him."
Despite the heat, Tuchel believes England's preparation and research will give them a "slight edge". The match kicks off at 22:00 BST on Saturday in Miami's Hard Rock Stadium, where the roof reduces airflow, exacerbating the conditions. There is no suggestion the game will be postponed.