England is set to face Norway in Miami on Saturday in a World Cup quarter-final match that will test both teams with high temperatures. The match, scheduled for a 22:00 BST kick-off, will be played in conditions that the global players’ union considers potentially hazardous.
While England has largely avoided extreme heat during the tournament, playing indoor matches in Dallas and Atlanta, and outdoor games in cooler conditions in Boston, New Jersey, and Mexico City, the situation changes in Miami. Norway, on the other hand, has played most of its matches outdoors, including a 2-1 victory over Brazil in New Jersey during an extreme heat warning.
Miami’s weather forecast and heat stress
Conditions in Miami are expected to be hot and humid. The US National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a “hazardous heat threat” warning, indicating an increased risk of heat-related illnesses. Air temperatures are forecast to be around 33C (91F), but with humidity, it could feel like 41C (106F). A heat advisory was in place for Friday and is likely to continue through the weekend.
There is also a risk of thunderstorms, particularly near the start of the match, and a possibility of showers, though sunny spells are otherwise expected. Global sporting bodies, including FIFA, use the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index, which accounts for temperature, humidity, time, and sunshine. The players’ union Fifpro suggests delaying or postponing matches if the WBGT exceeds 28C. Calculations for Miami at kick-off indicate a WBGT of 28-30C.
Scientists also calculate heat stress using the WBGT, which considers air temperature, humidity, wind, and solar intensity. Saturday’s match is forecast to have a high WBGT of around 88 degrees Fahrenheit (31 degrees Celsius). The American College of Sports Medicine recommends stopping athletic activities when this measure goes above 82 degrees Fahrenheit, as the human body struggles to cool down at that level.
FIFA guidelines stipulate that if the WBGT exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit, players and referees should take breaks after 30 and 75 minutes of play to cool down with ice-water-soaked towels. Matt Maley, a researcher in environmental ergonomics and physiology at Loughborough University, suggests that these conditions could lead to a more sluggish match, with players potentially reducing their sprints or distance covered.
Team preparation and impact on players
England‘s initial training base in the United States was in Florida, where Thomas Tuchel and his team spent 10 days, playing warm-up games against New Zealand in Tampa and Costa Rica in Orlando. The team then moved to their tournament facility in Kansas, where daily air temperatures are around 32-34C (90-93F), which should aid in heat acclimatization.
Dr. Lee Taylor from Loughborough University emphasized the importance of acclimatization for player health and performance. He noted that England‘s consistent exposure to hot bases means the players are likely acclimated, even if they haven’t fully tested this in a game environment. Norway played warm-up matches in cooler climates in Oslo and New Jersey and are based in Greensboro, North Carolina, experiencing similar temperatures to England.
Norway has played four warm games, with one in New Jersey being particularly hot. Dr. Taylor indicated that England‘s acclimatization strategy might be more beneficial given the fatigue Norway‘s players may have accumulated. The Hard Rock Stadium, where the match will be played, has an open design that can prevent breezes from reaching the pitch, creating a “humidity trap” where sweat evaporation is less effective.
To combat the heat, FIFA has implemented measures such as climate-controlled benches, water and electrolyte drinks, ice, cold towels, fans, mist, and shade. Players may also use phase-change ice vests before the match and ice-cold water-immersed towels during hydration breaks and at half-time. The two hottest group stage games of the tournament were both played in Miami, with WBGT readings reaching approximately 32.9C and 33C respectively.
Fan safety and historical context
Supporters attending matches at the Hard Rock Stadium also face risks of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Following the first three fixtures, the Miami-Dade Fire and Rescue reported 38 heat-related calls at the stadium, with five requiring hospital treatment. The City of Miami reported 79 heat-related calls in one day at the Fan Fest on June 23.
Fans are advised to use shuttle stations, which offer cooling sites, instead of walking long distances. Dr. Taylor highlighted that the “final mile” to the stadium, often involving cordoned-off or protracted routes, can be particularly challenging. Advice for fans includes seeking shade, staying hydrated, using a refillable bottle, and wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
Scientists from the New Weather Institute warned that the high heat stress levels at the stadium pose dangers to fans, especially older supporters and those with pre-existing health conditions. They expressed concern that the heat stress crisis could turn the World Cup into a public health emergency. The warmest game of the tournament occurred last Saturday, when Paraguay and France played in Philadelphia at 37C, feeling closer to 44C due to a heatwave.
One of the hottest World Cup games on record was in 1994 in Orlando, Florida, where temperatures reached 43.33 C (110 F) during a match between the Republic of Ireland and Mexico. While Miami on Saturday will not be as extreme, it will still present a significant challenge for both England and Norway.
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Source: bbc.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.