England play Norway at Hard Rock Stadium (Image: Getty)
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Everything you need to know about the potential delay of the World Cup match between England and Norway…
England to face Norway – The Three Lions are scheduled to play Norway in the World Cup quarterfinals on Saturday night at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. Kick-off is scheduled for 10pm (BST). Potential for Disruption – Extreme weather conditions are predicted to occur while the match is in progress, potentially delaying or canceling the match. High temperatures and uncomfortable conditions – The National Weather Service has issued an emergency heat advisory, claiming temperatures could feel as hot as 43 degrees Celsius. The dust from the Sahara desert has also made conditions even more unpleasant for local players and supporters. Thunderstorm Risk – Thunderstorms are expected in Miami over the weekend. Under FIFA rules, if lightning strikes within an eight-mile radius of the stadium, play will be automatically stopped. If this protocol is triggered, athletes will not be allowed to return to the playing field until at least 30 minutes have passed since the last lightning strike was detected. Risk of World Cup repeat – This would not be the first time a match at the 2026 World Cup has been postponed if lightning strikes in the region. England’s last 16 match, which saw them beat Mexico, was postponed for more than an hour due to extreme heat, while France’s group game against Iraq was halted for two hours at half-time due to heavy rain. ADVISORY FROM OFFICERS – The National Weather Service, meanwhile, warned that Friday’s combination of high temperatures and humidity could lead to heatstroke. Officials are urging people to stay hydrated and seek air-conditioned areas whenever possible. Actions to take: “Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, avoid sunlight, and check on your relatives and neighbors,” the USNWS statement said. Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox – sign up for the Make Football Great Again newsletter now!
