Heat index of 108°F looms over Norway vs. England World Cup quarterfinal in Miami

Saturday’s World Cup quarterfinal between Norway and England in Miami carries a heat index of 108°F, with forecasters rating the Risk of Weather Impact as medium for the July 11 fixture that kicks off at 8 p.m. ET.

The forecast calls for temperatures in the 90s and partly cloudy skies, with a heat advisory in effect until 7 p.m. local time — just one hour before the match begins. The oppressive heat and humidity are among the reasons FIFA introduced mandatory hydration breaks at this tournament: three-minute stoppages at the midpoint of each half that allow players to regroup on the sideline.

Beyond the heat, thunderstorms remain the primary concern under World Cup weather-delay protocols. Play is suspended immediately if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium and can only resume after 30 uninterrupted minutes without a further strike. Any new detection resets the countdown, meaning delays can extend for several hours. FIFA has no fixed time limit for abandonment, assessing each situation individually.

The tournament has already seen significant weather disruptions. England’s round-of-16 victory over Mexico in Mexico City on July 5 was delayed one hour before England won 3-2. The Mexico vs. Ecuador round-of-32 match in Mexico City on June 30 was also held up for an hour, with Mexico winning 2-0. Most dramatically, France’s group-stage game against Iraq in Philadelphia on June 23 was suspended mid-match for two hours; France were leading 1-0 at the stoppage and eventually won 3-0.

On the pitch, the stakes are considerable for both nations. England — featuring Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Declan Rice — are chasing their first World Cup semifinal appearance since 2018. Norway, led by Erling Haaland, have never reached the semifinals of a men’s World Cup. Kane and Haaland are both contenders for the Golden Boot alongside Argentina’s Lionel Messi and France’s Kylian Mbappé, adding an individual subplot to an already high-profile tie.