When England face Norway in the World Cup quarter-final on Saturday night, the temperature inside Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium could feel like 41C (106F) – conditions the global players’ union considers too dangerous for football to go ahead. The match, kicking off at 22:00 BST, pits two of the tournament’s best strikers – Erling Haaland and Harry Kane – against each other, but the biggest threat may come from the weather.
The quarter-final is the first outdoor match England have played in extreme heat at this World Cup. Their previous games in Dallas and Atlanta were in air-conditioned stadiums set to a comfortable 21C, and their three outdoor matches – in Boston, New Jersey and Mexico City – were played in cooler, damper conditions. Norway, by contrast, have played all but one of their matches outdoors, including a 2-1 victory over Brazil while New Jersey was under a US National Weather Service extreme heat warning. The exception was their last-32 win over Ivory Coast in an air-conditioned stadium.
“Explains why England vs Norway World Cup quarter-final is played in dangerous heat and what that means for players and fans.”
The heat in Miami is a combination of high air temperature and humidity. The US National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the area, warning of a “hazardous heat threat” with an increased risk of heat-related illnesses. While air temperatures are expected to be about 33C (91F), humidity pushes the “feels-like” temperature to around 41C (106F). There is also a risk of thunderstorms near the start of the match, with possible showers but otherwise sunny spells.
International football’s governing bodies use a measure called the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), which accounts for temperature, humidity, wind speed and sunlight. According to player union Fifpro’s guidelines, a WBGT above 28C should lead to the “delay or postponement of matches” until conditions are safer. Calculations for kick-off in Miami put the WBGT at 28-30C. Despite this, there is no suggestion the game will not take place.
For UK viewers, the match is live on ITV1 from 8:45pm BST, with kick-off at 10pm. The heat could affect player performance and injury risk, especially for England, who have not acclimatised. Norway manager Ståle Solbakken has downplayed concerns, focusing instead on the collective challenge of stopping a strong England side that includes Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Harry Kane.
The winner will face Argentina or Switzerland in the semi-finals in Atlanta.
Q: Will the England vs Norway match be delayed or postponed because of the heat? The heat index and Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) are at levels that Fifpro, the global players’ union, says should lead to delay or postponement if above 28C. However, as of the latest reports, there is no suggestion the match will be postponed. The risk of thunderstorms at kick-off could also cause a delay, but no official announcement has been made.
Q: Why is playing in high heat and humidity dangerous for footballers? High WBGT values (above 28C) increase the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and muscle cramps. The combination of high temperature, humidity, and lack of airflow – the Hard Rock Stadium’s roof reduces airflow, making conditions worse – can cause players to overheat quickly, impair decision-making and increase the chance of injury. In extreme cases, matches can be stopped for medical reasons.
Q: How are England and Norway preparing for the Miami heat? England have played most of their World Cup matches in air-conditioned stadiums or cooler climates, so the searing heat in Miami is unfamiliar. Norway have played all but one of their matches outdoors, including victory over Brazil under an extreme heat warning – giving them more recent experience in similar conditions. England’s players have been training on match eve, with key trio Declan Rice, Marc Guehi and Reece James returning to fitness. Norway have been dealing with a virus in the camp, with several players affected, though manager Solbakken has played down the illness’s severity.
The match takes place on Saturday 11 July 2026 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The winner advances to the semi-finals in Atlanta to face either Argentina or Switzerland on Wednesday 15 July. England’s Jarell Quansah is suspended after a red card against Mexico, while Norway’s Julian Ryerson is battling a hamstring issue but expected to start.