Spain’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final were disrupted on Saturday after severe weather forced the team to cancel its outdoor training session, while defending champions Argentina completed their final preparations despite a brief delay.

Spain’s scheduled training at the Melanie Lane Training Ground in New Jersey was called off following heavy rainfall, flood alerts and the threat of thunderstorms. The adverse weather triggered the United States’ safety protocol, which requires outdoor sporting activities to be suspended when lightning or electrical activity is detected within an eight-mile radius.

The Spanish Football Federation confirmed that the squad instead held an indoor warm-up session.

“The Spanish national team’s training session 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,” the federation said.

In contrast, Argentina’s training session at their base in Morristown, about five miles from Spain’s camp, resumed after a 45-minute delay. Lionel Messi and his teammates successfully completed their final preparations ahead of Sunday’s showpiece.

Spain, winners of UEFA Euro 2024, are chasing a second FIFA World Cup title, while Argentina are aiming to retain the trophy and become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will be played on Sunday at the New York/New Jersey Stadium. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.