Spain's final training session ahead of the World Cup final against Argentina was cancelled on July 18 due to thunderstorms in New Jersey [1, 2, 3]. Following US storm safety protocols related to lightning detected within an eight-mile radius, the Spanish national team suspended their outdoor training at the Melanie Lane Training Ground and moved to an indoor warm-up [1, 4, 2, 3]. The Spanish federation said, "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" [1, 2].
Argentina's final training in Morristown, New Jersey, was also disrupted by thunderstorms but started about 45 minutes late after the storm passed [4, 2]. Both teams prepared for the final under difficult weather conditions as New York and New Jersey issued flood advisories and storm warnings amid severe weather on July 18 [2]. New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani urged residents not to "risk your safety in these dangerous conditions" [2].
Earlier in the week, the region faced an air quality health alert due to haze caused by Canadian wildfires [2]. Despite the challenges, Spain reached the final by beating France 2-0 on July 15, while Argentina secured their spot after a late comeback to defeat England 2-1 on July 16 [2].
FIFA confirmed that no alternative training slots will be offered to Spain before the final match [1, 2, 3]. The World Cup final is scheduled for July 19 at 3 p.m. local time (7 p.m. GMT, 8 p.m. BST) at the New York New Jersey Stadium [1, 4, 2, 3].
