What happens if England vs Norway is delayed? World Cup weather protocol explained | OneFootball

Quarter-final clash in Miami is under threat of thunderstorms, lightning and heavy rain

The weather is once again a major topic of conversation as England prepare to face Norway in the World Cup 2026 quarter-final tonight.

Miami has been hit by thunderstorms in the days and hours leading up to kick-off, prompting fears of another delay after last weekend’s win over Mexico was pushed back an hour.

The potential for more thunderstorms and heavy rain in Mexico City has led to concerns over a possible delay to kick-off or even an in-game suspension at the Estadio Azteca.

Three matches have been impacted by the conditions at this tournament so far, with France’s Group I meeting with Iraq in Philadelphia delayed at half-time for more than two hours due to storms.

There was then an hour delay to kick-off in Mexico’s last-32 win over Ecuador at the Azteca on Tuesday for the same reason, with lightning in the Mexican capital, and the same again for the visit of England.

FIFA does not have a severe weather policy of its own - it must adhere to regulations imposed by local authorities.

And those authorities in North America take a no-nonsense approach, particularly where lightning is concerned.

Any match at this World Cup will be suspended if lightning is detected within eight miles of the stadium in question, and met with a delay of at least half an hour.

Lightning bolt: Mexico twice saw games delayed

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All players, coaches and officials must leave the pitch, and all fans must leave the stands and find safe shelter.

The game may not start or resume until a full 30 minutes has passed with no lightning detected within that eight-mile radius, with the clock reset each time it is.

How long can matches be delayed?

FIFA have no hard-and-fast cut-off point at which they would postpone a match.

Decisions as to when games will be formally called off are based primarily on the safety of players and supporters, plus if the pitch remains in a suitable condition.

If a match has to be postponed due to weather, it would, for logistical reasons, most likely be resumed the following day, picking up from the exact point at which it was stopped.

If a match was stopped with 65 minutes played, teams would return to complete the remaining 35.