England head into unknown territory at this World Cup when they face Norway in Miami on Saturday, playing in searing temperatures. The Three Lions have been largely shielded from excess heat in North America during their tournament so far. Their schedule has included indoor matches in Dallas and Atlanta.
The three games England have played outdoors – in Boston, New Jersey and Mexico City – have been in cooler, damper conditions. That changes on Saturday for their quarter-final tie, which kicks off at 22:00 BST. This match could be played in conditions the global players’ union considers too dangerous for the game to go ahead.
Miami’s Hazardous Heat Threat
Put simply, conditions in Miami will be hot and humid for the upcoming encounter. The US National Weather Service (NWS) is warning of a ‘hazardous heat threat’ for the area. The chance of heat-related illnesses is likely to increase under these circumstances.
While air temperatures are likely to sit about 33C (91F), once the humidity is factored in, it will feel like about 41C (106F). The NWS put a heat advisory in place for the area on Friday, and experts say it is likely one will be issued covering the weekend too. There is a risk of thunderstorms, especially near the start of the match, and a possibility of showers. Otherwise, sunny spells are expected for the game.
Global sporting bodies such as Fifa use an index called Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), which takes into account temperature, humidity, time and amount of sunshine. In its guidelines for playing in heat, players’ union Fifpro says a WBGT above 28C should lead to the ‘delay or postponement of matches’ until conditions are safer. Calculations of the WBGT for Miami at about kick-off give the WBGT as 28-30C. However, there is no suggestion the game will not take place.
England’s Shielded Tournament Journey
England’s journey in this World Cup has largely protected them from the most extreme heat until now. While two of their group-stage matches were played in the hotter Texas and Georgia climates, they benefited from air-conditioned stadiums. In these venues, the temperature is set to a comfortable 21C.
The warmest conditions the Three Lions have played in was 25C for their final group game against Panama. However, that match featured overcast skies, offering some respite. When England headed to altitude in Mexico City last Sunday, they would have felt at home with 18C and rain, as July is Mexico City’s wettest month of the year. The hot and humid weather in Miami will present a very different challenge for the squad.
Norway’s Outdoor Edge?
In contrast to England, Norway have played all but one of their matches outdoors throughout this tournament. The sole exception was their last-32 victory over Ivory Coast, which took place in the air-conditioned Dallas Stadium. This means Norway have more experience acclimatising to outdoor conditions in North America.
Norway’s tournament opener against Iraq, for instance, was played under clear skies in a temperature of 25C. There was also rain and cloud during their games against Senegal and France, though they rested most of their first-choice players against Les Bleus. Notably, Norway’s 2-1 victory over Brazil on Sunday was played outside while New Jersey was under a US National Weather Service (NWS) extreme heat warning. After being indoors against Ivory Coast, Norway then experienced oppressive conditions in their subsequent victory over Brazil.
The roof at the Hard Rock Stadium reduces the airflow and exacerbates the conditions, adding another layer of difficulty to Saturday’s quarter-final tie.