Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterAs England prepare to take on Lionel Messis Argentina in the World Cup semi-final, fans are keeping one eye on the sky.Memories of the storm delays that impacted England's dramatic Round of 16 tie against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca are still fresh. During that fixture, severe weather and lightning triggered a shelter-in-place order, forcing a one-hour postponement to kick-off.Fortunately, weather disruptions will not halt the action in Georgia. If you are wondering whether the Atlanta Stadium - otherwise known as Mercedes-Benz Stadium - is indoors and air-conditioned, the answer is a resounding yes.Atlanta Stadium is a climate-controlled arenaThe Atlanta Stadium features a retractable roof that opens and closes like a camera lens. Oooooh.To combat the sweltering Southern American summer, the dome will be kept shut for the semi-final, even though weather forecasters don't expect outside temperatures to exceed 30C. You may like What is the weather forecast for England vs Norway in Miami? What are FIFA rules on lightning strikes? Mexico vs England World Cup clash braced for storm delays What is the weather forecast for England vs Mexico? In addition, an air-conditioning system pumps climate-controlled air throughout the stadium, maintaining a more comfortable internal temperature of 72F (22C).When the World Cup is not in town, the facility is home to the NFLs Atlanta Falcons and MLS franchise Atlanta United.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.The stadium's climate control feature is a relief given the local weather forecast for Atlanta.Meteorologists are predicting a humid high of 85F (29C) for the 3pm EST (8pm BST) kick-off, with scattered thunderstorms and rain showers expected to roll across the city.Heavy downpours may soak fan zones outside, but proceedings on the pitch will unaffected.England have already played twice in climate-controlled stadiums this tournament.The Three Lions kickstarted their World Cup campaign at the Dallas Stadium with a 4-2 win over Croatia under a closed dome.They have also appeared here in Atlanta, coming from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 in the Round of 32.TOPICSEnglandArgentinaJoe DonnohueSocial Links NavigationSenior Digital WriterJoe joined FourFourTwo as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller.
