Storm hits Portugal's World Cup training camp in Palm Beach, press conference canceled and practice in doubt
A thunderstorm forced the evacuation of Portugal's training facility in Palm Beach on Sunday, canceling a press conference and threatening the team's scheduled practice ahead of their World Cup opener against DR Congo.
Storm forces evacuation
Heavy rain, strong winds and lightning struck the Palm Beach training site where Portugal is preparing for the 2026 World Cup. Safety protocols were activated, prompting an immediate evacuation of everyone from the facility. Journalists, team staff and other personnel were directed to their vehicles as the storm approached.
Press conference canceled
A scheduled press conference with midfielder Matheus Nunes was canceled without delay. The session had been set for 23:00 Portugal continental time (18:00 local time in Florida). All media activities linked to the camp were suspended while the weather alert remained in effect.
Training in doubt
The team's night training session, planned for 23:45 in mainland Portugal (18:45 in Florida), was left uncertain. The Portuguese delegation said it was monitoring conditions to decide whether the practice can go ahead. After days of intense heat in the region, the sudden change in weather introduced an unexpected disruption to the preparation schedule.
World Cup opener approaching
Portugal faces DR Congo on Wednesday at 18:00, according to JN. The match marks the start of the campaign for the Portuguese side, making the loss of a training session a potential setback close to the debut.
