England could face more chaos with 44C conditions and thunderstorms in store for World Cup quarter-finals

Jul 6, 2026 - 01:00
England could face more chaos with 44C conditions and thunderstorms in store for World Cup quarter-finals

England have had to deal with some woeful weather in Mexico ahead of their World Cup last 16 clash against the co-hosts.

But this won’t be the end of their troubles with the adverse conditions in North America if they get through…

England manager Thomas Tuchel, wearing a black polo shirt, stands on the touchline with his arms folded during the 2026 World Cup match against DR Congo.
England could be set to face even more weather chaos in the quarter-finals
AFP

Should the Three Lions get past Mexico to reach the quarter-finals, they will play Norway in Miami at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday.

Erling Haaland‘s double sent Brazil home, continuing his nation’s impressive run and reaching their first-ever quarter-final.

It’s sure to be a great game if England can join them there, however, the weather may spoil some of the fun…

More weather chaos in store

Currently, the weather forecast for Miami is going to be a major cause for concern for Norway and potentially England.

At the time of writing, there is a real chance of thunderstorms around kick-off at 5pm local time, with lightning very possible.

And if any lightning strikes within eight miles of the Hard Rock Stadium, then a shelter in place order will be issued – and that would lead to play being paused or kick-off delayed.

The storms and heavy rain are currently predicted to last from 5pm through until the early hours of the morning, so there will be real worries surrounding the conditions.

England already saw a shelter in place order issued in the hours leading up to their last 16 meeting with Mexico on Sunday, while they were delayed from travelling to the stadium too.

On top of the thunderstorms, the temperature is also expected to be a real issue for the players in Saturday’s quarter-final.

The real feel temperature in Miami, at the time of writing, is predicted to reach a sweltering 44 degrees celcius.

Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida
England will hope that the forecast changes if they get into the quarters in Miami
Getty

How do World Cup weather delays work?

If thunder and lightning are present in the area where a World Cup match is taking place, there is a real possibility of a delay.

As already mentioned, a match must be paused if lightning strikes within an eight-mile radius of the stadium.

Players and staff will then have to leave the pitch and go back into the changing rooms, while fans will shelter inside.

Then, there has to be a full 30 minutes of no lightning strikes within the eight-mile radius for the game to then restart.

If a lightning strike is detected, the 30-minute timer resets.

And after being made familiar with those rules for the clash with Mexico, England are set to face them again if they go through.

Lightning strike near the Estadio Azteca at the World Cup.
Thunderstorms and other adverse weather conditions continue to impact the World Cup
Getty

When will England’s potential quarter-final take place?

England’s potential quarter-final against Norway will take place on Saturday, July 11.

Kick-off is scheduled for 10pm UK time, but if any electrical storms do hit Miami, then that start could be delayed.

talkSPORT will have live commentary of the action next weekend.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

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