England’s World Cup last-16 match against Mexico postponed due to thunderstorms, with weather expected to affect the next quarter-final against Norway again
Thomas Tuchel’s England could face further disruption to their World Cup activities in North America (Image: FIFA via Getty Images)
England could face further disruption from the weather, with high temperatures potentially threatening their World Cup quarter-final match against Norway. Temperatures in Miami are expected to reach 34 degrees this weekend, with thunderstorms expected.
However, worryingly, due to the high humidity, the heat is expected to be close to 43 degrees Celsius at the start of the match. The BBC Weather Bureau has also predicted thunderstorms just before kick-off and during the match.
FIFA had to delay the Three Lions’ Round of 16 match against Mexico by an hour. There are concerns that the match against Norway could face similar problems, with cancellation or postponement technically an option if the weather becomes too severe.
FIFA protocols state that delays due to thunderstorms will be a minimum of 30 minutes, and governing bodies are to follow rules set by local authorities during the tournament. That means if lightning is detected within eight miles of the stadium, the game must be called off.
FIFA must follow the recommendations of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Players have been removed from the pitch and fans have been asked to leave their seats and go indoors.
Meanwhile, in venues that are considered particularly hot or humid, officials will record WBGT (wet bulb temperature) readings 90 minutes before kickoff and one hour before the game. FIFA’s tournament rules state: “In extreme weather conditions, it may be necessary to implement cooling breaks during matches.
“Such breaks will be considered on a match-by-match basis. Responsibility for implementing and managing cooling breaks rests with the referee.”
High temperatures and thunderstorms expected in Miami Gardens (Image: Joosep Martinson – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
England found out the hard way after already arriving at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium before learning they would have to wait another hour for the match to start. A shelter-in-place warning was issued after reports of lightning over the stadium.
So they will be preparing for further disruption. That could happen as early as this weekend’s match against Norway.
England last experienced similar delays when they visited Florida in preparation for the World Cup. The final pre-tournament friendly against Costa Rica kicked off an hour late due to heavy rain and thunderstorms at Orlando City’s stadium in the state.
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Thomas Tuchel told ITV at the time: “You get a little taste of what can happen in the tournament. We’ve known it for a while and now we’re experiencing it.”
“That’s fine. It shouldn’t be an excuse to lose your mood or your patience or your hunger to play the game.”
he repeated. “No problem at all. I found out while I was still in the hotel, so it was as simple as saying let’s take the bus in 30 minutes.”
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