Spain's final World Cup training cancelled as thunderstorms hit New Jersey; Argentina session delayed but goes ahead
Thunderstorms forced Spain to cancel their last training session before Sunday's World Cup final against Argentina, while the defending champions managed a delayed workout after a 45-minute wait.
Training session abandoned
Spain's final training session at the Melanie Lane Training Ground in East Hanover, New Jersey, was suspended and later cancelled on Saturday after heavy thunderstorms and lightning moved through the area. The Spanish federation (RFEF) said the decision followed US storm safety protocol, which requires outdoor sporting events to be halted when lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius and to remain suspended for at least 30 minutes after the last strike. Players completed an indoor warm-up session instead. FIFA confirmed there would be no alternative time slot for the European champions to train later in the day.
The Spanish national team's training session on the pitches at the Melanie Lane Training Ground in New Jersey has been suspended in accordance with the US storm safety protocol. The players are currently taking part in a warm-up session indoors.
Argentina waits out the storm
About five miles away in Morristown, Argentina's squad faced a 45-minute delay before they were able to take the field at the Red Bull Performance Center. Coach Lionel Scaloni's side had been scheduled to begin at 11:30 local time (15:30 GMT) but waited until the thunderstorm passed. Unlike Spain, the defending champions completed their session, albeit later than planned. Earlier reports from Italian media had suggested Argentina's training might also be cancelled, but the team ultimately trained.
Weather clears wildfire smoke
The same storm system that disrupted preparations also brought a significant side benefit: it dispersed smoke from Canadian wildfires that had blanketed the New York metropolitan area earlier in the week, triggering air quality health alerts. A meteorologist quoted by the Associated Press said the thunderstorms had drastically improved air quality, removing respiratory risks. "There is no longer any danger to the airways, the air quality has drastically improved," the meteorologist said. The forecast for Sunday's final is sunny skies, temperatures around 27°C (81°F), light breeze, and low humidity, with the thunderstorms expected to have long since passed.
Better weather than this we could not have asked for.
Final set for Sunday
The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina kicks off at 15:00 local time (19:00 GMT) on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Spain, whose only World Cup title came in 2010, reached the final by beating France 2-0. Argentina, seeking a second consecutive title and fourth overall, staged a late comeback to defeat England 2-1. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill had warned residents of severe storms with potential damaging winds, tornadoes, flash flooding, and large hail, while New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani issued a flood advisory and urged people not to risk their safety.
- Spain's final training session suspended due to thunderstorms; players move indoors for warm-up.
- Argentina's scheduled training start time at Red Bull Performance Center.
- Argentina begins training after a 45-minute delay as the storm passes.
- Meteorologists confirm thunderstorms cleared Canadian wildfire smoke, drastically improving air quality.
- World Cup final kicks off at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Fan activities and halftime show
Away from the pitch, the RFEF announced that Spanish supporters would have several meeting points and activities before the match, including "Casa España" at Mercado Little Spain near the Vessel and 34 St-Hudson Yards station in New York. Organizers have also prepared a Super Bowl-style halftime show for the final.
