Storm forces Spain's training cancellation ahead of World Cup final

Spain (Spanje) saw its final preparation for the WK-finale against Argentinië ripped away on Saturday when a violent thunderstorm forced the cancellation of its last Training session in New York and Jersey. The decision came after the European champion’s squad, led by Luis de la Fuente, was forced to abandon the Melanie Lane Training Ground in New Jersey.

The original plan was to run a full‑field drill, but the session was first paused and then completely called off when lightning risk made any outdoor activity illegal under the local storm protocol. The team was limited to a brief indoor warm‑up, a far cry from the detailed work usually done before a final.

In contrast, Argentinië managed to get onto the pitch later the same day. Their squad trained in Morristown, roughly eight kilometres from the Spanish venue, and after a 45‑minute delay the players, including Lionel Messi, were able to start their session.

FIFA confirmed that no alternative training slots were available for Spain, meaning De la Fuente must take his side into the final without the benefit of a last‑minute field rehearsal. The cancellation also highlighted the strict U.S. rule that outdoor sports cease within an eight‑mile radius of any lightning strike until thirty minutes of clear weather pass.

The weather disruption follows earlier concerns about air quality, as Canadian forest‑fire smoke prompted a health warning for the region earlier in the week. Those environmental factors have already been a talking point in the buildup to the match.

Spain’s path to the final has been impressive, having defeated France 2‑0 on Tuesday without needing to unleash its most dazzling play. The team’s confidence remains high, and De la Fuente has stressed that the side will not use the training setback as an excuse.

Fans are being urged to stay informed: Foto: © photonews NIEUW invites readers to Ontvang alerts for important news, to Schrijf je HIER in, and to Volg Voetbalkrant via Google. The live broadcast of the Spain‑Argentina clash will begin at 21:00 on 19/07 on Voetbalkrant.com.