Norway to Face England in World Cup Quarterfinal in South Florida

Norway’s men’s national soccer team will play England in a World Cup quarter-final on Saturday in South Florida. The wet-bulb globe temperature at the venue is forecast at around 88 degrees Fahrenheit. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends ceasing athletic activities when the index exceeds 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

FIFA requires cooling breaks after 30 and 75 minutes only when the temperature surpasses 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Matt Maley, a researcher in environmental ergonomics and physiology at Loughborough University, said players may reduce sprints or distance covered. He added that motivation can override bodily signals and increase the risk of heat exhaustion.

A coalition of scientists from five continents sent an open letter to FIFA in May stating that three-minute hydration breaks are too short and recommending that matches with a wet-bulb globe temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit or higher be postponed.

Scientists from the New Weather Institute stated that older supporters and those with pre-existing health conditions face particular risks of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heat stroke. Miami has recorded rising temperatures in recent years from concrete and greenhouse gases.