England’s crucial World Cup quarter-final showdown against Norway in Miami is at risk of being delayed or even postponed due to soaring temperatures across South Florida.
A major heat risk has been declared in South Florida with temperatures said to be rising to 29-32°C – with a realfeel of up to 44 °C – by the time today’s game is due to kick off at 5pm in Miami (10pm UK time).
The City of Miami’s official X account has warned people in the local area to ‘stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing and limit outdoor activity’.
Their post read: ‘Major Heat Risk is in effect across much of South Florida today.
‘High temperatures and humidity can increase the risk of heat-related illness. Stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing, limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, and spend time in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible. Stay informed.’
FIFPRO, the global representative of professional footballers across the world, advise games should be delayed or postponed until conditions are safe if the local temperature exceeds 28°C.
England’s crucial World Cup quarter-final showdown against Norway in Miami is at risk of being delayed
Temperatures are soaring across South Florida ahead of kick-off at 5pm local time
A major heat risk has been declared in South Florida with temperatures said to be rising to 29-32°C
England’s last-16 match against Mexico was delayed by an hour during the early hours of Monday morning with the game kicking off at 2am (UK time) rather than 1am due to severe thunderstorms.
Supporters already at the stadium sought shelter, while media members were told they must not leave the media centre amid the yellow severe weather warning.
England’s players arrived on schedule, raising hope that it would go ahead as planned at its original time, but that was quickly shelved just under an hour before it was due to kick-off.
Thomas Tuchel’s side managed to overcome the elements and humidity to defeat the tournament co-hosts 3-2 and set up an encounter with Norway.
England fans have been given some good news today at least as supporters won’t be kicked out of the pub if today’s game is delayed.
The Government has now confirmed pubs can stay open in England and Wales until 30 minutes after the final whistle is blown, even if the start of the game is delayed.
Pictures show England supporters revelling at pool parties – with police needed to escort some out
England fans partying ahead of today’s crunch quarter-final with Norway were left dripping wet after a tropical storm swept in bringing an end to outdoor parties
Ministers had already pushed opening hours for the game until 2am, but have made the extra extension with flexible licensing laws.
Policing minister Sarah Jones said: ‘England fans deserve the chance to watch every minute of the quarter-final together, and that is exactly what our extension guarantees.
‘After the weather delay we saw before the Mexico game, we want to give fans and venues complete certainty that no-one will miss a moment of the action.
‘I hope pubs and bars across England and Wales are packed on Saturday night, as we hopefully move one step closer to bringing football home.’
The change has been made through new legislation temporarily extending licensing hours for eligible venues.
The same flexibility will apply to England’s remaining matches, including the final, ensuring venues can stay open until 30 minutes after the final whistle if delays occur.
