On Saturday, England will face Norway in Miami in a World Cup quarter-final played in searing heat that the global players' union considers potentially too dangerous for any match to go ahead. The temperature in Miami is forecast to be 33C (91F), but with humidity it will feel like 41C (106F). The US National Weather Service has issued a hazardous heat threat warning, with a heat advisory already in place for the area. This is unfamiliar territory for England, who have played most of their tournament fixtures in air-conditioned stadiums or cooler, damper conditions. Norway, by contrast, have played all but one of their matches outdoors, including a victory over Brazil while New Jersey was under an extreme heat warning.
The measure used to assess whether conditions are safe is called Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT). It takes into account temperature, humidity, time, and amount of sunshine. Global sporting bodies such as Fifa rely on this index. The players' union Fifpro has guidelines stating that a WBGT above 28C should lead to the "delay or postponement of matches" until conditions are safer. Calculations for Miami at around kick-off give the WBGT as 28-30C. However, there is no suggestion the game will not take place.
“Why the England vs Norway World Cup quarter-final is being played in dangerous heat and what WBGT means.”
Heat is not new to World Cups, but the 2026 tournament — held across the US, Canada and Mexico — has exposed players to a wide range of climates. England have been largely shielded: their matches in Dallas and Atlanta were indoors with air conditioning set to 21C. The warmest they have played outdoors was 25C in Mexico City, which was also damp and overcast. Now they face tropical humidity that could affect performance and health.
For UK readers, this matters because England supporters will be watching a match where player safety is a live issue. The conditions could affect how the game is played — with more stoppages, slower pace, and a need for hydration breaks. It also raises questions about future tournament scheduling and whether matches in extreme heat should be moved to cooler times or venues. England boss Thomas Tuchel has said science gives his team a "slight edge" due to preparation, but Norway have already proven they can cope.
Q: What is Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT)? WBGT is an index used by sporting bodies like Fifa to measure heat stress on the body. It accounts for temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation. A reading above 28C is considered dangerous for play by the players' union Fifpro.
Q: Why is the England vs Norway match being played in such heat? The match is scheduled in Miami in July, which is hot and humid. The stadium roof at Hard Rock Stadium reduces airflow, exacerbating the conditions. The tournament schedule cannot easily be changed, and there is no indication the game will be postponed.
Q: How are players coping with the heat? Teams prepare with cooling strategies, hydration, and acclimatisation. England have used air-conditioned stadiums for most matches, while Norway have played five outdoor games. Tuchel says preparation and research give England a slight edge, but the humidity is a new challenge.
What happens next: The match goes ahead on Saturday at 22:00 BST. If conditions worsen, medical staff may intervene. The result could hinge on which team handles the heat better. Future World Cup scheduling may face renewed scrutiny over extreme weather.