Severe Storm Cancels Spain's Final World Cup Training Before Match Against Argentina

A strong thunderstorm struck New York on Saturday evening, leading to the cancellation of Spain's final training session just hours before the 2026 World Cup final against Argentina.

The World Cup final, marking the first edition featuring 48 teams, is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, at the New Jersey stadium in New York, starting at 10:00 p.m. Mecca time.

Before the last training session in New Jersey could begin, Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente had to call off the practice due to the onset of a severe storm and sudden weather changes.

FIFA announced the cancellation of Spain’s training session ahead of the final against Argentina, citing thunderstorm conditions. The organization added that no additional training time would be available for the team.

However, FIFA did not specify whether Argentina’s training session, set for 11:30 a.m. local time (15:30 GMT), would proceed as planned.

A reporter from the "beIN Sports" network covering the 2026 World Cup confirmed via video that Spain’s training was canceled because of lightning and ongoing unstable weather conditions.

The Spanish Football Federation issued a statement explaining that the training session at the Milani Lyn training center in New Jersey was suspended in accordance with the United States' storm safety protocols. They added that players were currently conducting an indoor warm-up session.

Spain, led by Luis de la Fuente and crowned European champions in 2024, aims to secure their second World Cup title.

On the other side, Lionel Messi and his teammates are seeking their fourth World Cup championship, and second consecutive title following their 2022 victory.