The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to bring a unique challenge to England and Norway as they face off in the quarter-finals in Miami, with the scorching heat of the Florida sun posing a significant test for both teams. While England has been relatively shielded from extreme heat during the tournament, playing in cooler conditions in Dallas and Atlanta, their upcoming match against Norway in Miami will be a different story. Norway, on the other hand, has embraced the outdoor heat, with most of their matches played in the open air, including a scorching 31C in New Jersey.
The forecast for Miami is ominous, with the National Weather Service issuing a "hazardous heat threat" warning. The air temperature is expected to reach a sweltering 33C (91F), but with high humidity, it will feel like a scorching 41C (106F). This extreme heat will be a challenge for both teams, and the global players' union, FIFPRO, has guidelines that suggest matches should be delayed or postponed if the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) exceeds 28C, which is exactly what the WBGT is predicted to be in Miami.
England's preparation for the heat has been meticulous. They started their tournament in Florida, spending 10 days in the area, playing warm-up games in Tampa and Orlando. This acclimatization process is crucial, according to Dr. Lee Taylor from Loughborough University, who emphasizes the importance of consistent exposure to hot environments to protect players' health and performance. England's current base in Kansas, with daily temperatures of 32-34C, should further help them cope with the heat.
Norway, however, has faced a different challenge. Their warm-up matches were played in cooler climates, and they are currently based in Greensboro, North Carolina, where temperatures are similar to those in Kansas. Dr. Taylor suggests that Norway's players may have accumulated more fatigue due to the heat, which could be a factor in the match.
The impact of the heat on the body is significant. Open-air stadiums like the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami trap humidity, preventing sweat from evaporating and leading to heat exhaustion and heatstroke. FIFA has introduced various measures to combat the heat, including climate-controlled benches, water and electrolyte drinks, ice, cold towels, fans, mist, and shade. Additionally, phase-change ice vests can be worn before the match to help players stay cool.
For supporters, the heat is a serious concern. The Miami-Dade Fire and Rescue service has received numerous heat-related calls, and the City of Miami reported 79 heat-related calls in one day. Fans are advised to use shuttle stations with cooling sites and to stay hydrated with refillable bottles and wide-brimmed hats.
The two hottest games in the group stage were both in Miami, with the WBGT reaching 32.9C for Uruguay's draw with Saudi Arabia and 33C for their match against Cape Verde. The warmest game of the tournament was in Philadelphia, where Paraguay and France played in a scorching 37C. One of the hottest World Cup games ever was in 1994 in Orlando, Florida, where temperatures hit a staggering 43.33C.
Despite the heat, the match between England and Norway is set to take place, and the players will have to adapt to the unique challenges of playing in an open-air stadium in extreme heat. The outcome will be a testament to their resilience and preparation, and the winner will have to quickly re-adapt for the semi-final, which will be played in the cooler conditions of Atlanta.
