England fans warned of possible Miami weather disruption as France clash faces threat of delay

England supporters making plans for Saturday night's 2026 World Cup third-place play-off may need to prepare for another weather-related delay.

Thunderstorms are once again in the forecast for Miami, raising the possibility of disruption before the Three Lions take on France at Hard Rock Stadium.

England fans could face late Saturday night if France clash is delayed

England's World Cup third-place play-off against France could be delayed with thunderstorms forecast for Miami on Saturday.

The match is due to kick off at 10pm BST (5pm local time), but current forecasts predict temperatures of around 33°C alongside thundery showers during the afternoon.

Under FIFA's weather protocols, any lightning strike detected within an eight-mile radius of an open-air stadium automatically triggers a minimum 30-minute delay.

Should further lightning strikes occur during that period, the countdown resets, meaning kick-off can be postponed indefinitely until conditions are deemed safe.

With Miami Stadium being an open-air venue, England and France will once again be at the mercy of the Florida weather.

Supporters will remember England's last-16 clash with Mexico was delayed by an hour after severe thunderstorms swept across Mexico City, eventually pushing kick-off back and forcing fans in the UK into the early hours of the morning.

While Saturday's match is currently scheduled to finish around midnight BST, any weather delays or the possibility of extra time and penalties could see England fans facing another late night.

FGG says: A familiar warning for England supporters

England have already experienced one significant weather delay at this tournament, so supporters travelling to Miami, or staying up to watch from home, will know to keep an eye on the forecast.

While the current outlook doesn't guarantee disruption, the threat of lightning is something FIFA takes extremely seriously.

Hopefully, the storms stay away, and the match starts on time, but England fans would be wise to prepare for every eventuality.

With the heat and humidity already expected to play a major role, the weather could once again become one of the biggest talking points surrounding a Three Lions fixture.