World Cup 2026: Thunderstorms Disrupt Spain’s Final Training Session

Severe thunderstorms in New Jersey have forced Spain to cancel their final outdoor training session at Melanie Lane Training Ground ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Argentina.

Under tournament protocol, training must be postponed if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius. Lightning is typically checked every 30 minutes until it is safe to resume activity.

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With a steady rain throughout the morning and into the early afternoon, Spain waited out the storm for around 40 minutes before opting to cancel.

Organizers subsequently moved the squad indoors to the gym to complete their warm-up exercises.

“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 Spanish federation (RFEF) said in a statement.

“The players are currently ‌taking part in a ​warm-up session indoors.”

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On the other hand, Argentina, who was training just five miles away at the New York Red Bulls facility in Morristown, also faced delays but chose to wait out the weather and eventually took the pitch.

Spain are gunning for a second World Cup title, while Argentina are looking to successfully defend the World Cup title and become the only team after Brazil in 1962 to achieve the feat.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will take place at the New York/New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.