Adverse weather conditions have been something of a theme of the 2026 World Cup across North America – and that has proven no different heading into Sunday’s final.
Though the situation has perhaps not played out quite as badly as was initially feared, England and France are among the countries to have had their games impacted by the weather.
Spain's team was STACKED with superstars the last time they played Argentina… how many of their current XI make it into this team?
Isco netted a hat-trick that day…
While there are reportedly few fears that Sunday’s final between Spain and Argentina won’t go ahead as planned amid poor air quality warnings, the weather in New Jersey has caused some disruption.
Confirmation that Spain players are training indoors
Indeed, on Saturday, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed that their planned practice session at the Melanie Lane Training Ground had been suspended due to thunderstorms in the area.
Their statement read: “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.”
Spain are also believed to have trained indoors earlier this week following the poor air quality warnings.
According to Reuters, defending champions Argentina saw their training session in Morristown, New Jersey postponed by 45 minutes.
The 23rd World Cup final in history pits the European champions against the South American champions as Spain look to become the first team to beat Argentina in the competition since Saudi Arabia did almost four years ago.
It is also a clash of generations. Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest player in the history of soccer, is looking to go out on a high in what is surely his last dance all while up-and-coming star Lamine Yamal is out to stop him.
The game is scheduled to kick off at 3pm local time at the New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Aside from the weather, the major talking point heading into the game other than on-field matters is FIFA’s controversial half-time show.
A Super Bowl-style event could reportedly last between 20 and 30 minutes, which would break a long-standing rule in the sport.
The official and codified laws of the game state that the half-time break should only last for 15 minutes, although the referee does have the power to add additional time at their discretion.
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