Severe thunderstorms have impacted the New York area, causing flash flooding that has brought the city to a standstill just 24 hours before the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. The extreme weather is expected to cause further disruption throughout the metropolitan area on Saturday.
Forecasters warn of potential tornadoes in parts of New Jersey, winds exceeding 65 miles per hour, and worsening flood conditions after the area received up to three inches of rainfall in a single hour. This severe weather poses a concern for FIFA, with the final scheduled to kick off at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday afternoon.
The conditions have already led to the cancellation of Spain's last scheduled training session before the final. The team was slated to train at Red Bull's New York facility, but the session was postponed due to thunderstorms and eventually called off. The Spanish FA stated, "The Spanish national team's training session at the Melanie Lane Training Ground in New Jersey has been suspended following the United States Storm Safety Protocol." The players are currently conducting an indoor activation session.
Argentina's team was also required to train indoors because of the weather, though Lionel Scaloni's squad was able to train on an outdoor grass field. The forecast anticipates improved conditions for the day of the World Cup final.
FIFA's severe weather protocol mandates that a match must be suspended if lightning strikes within an eight-mile radius of the stadium. Play cannot resume until there has been no electrical discharge for 30 minutes. The tournament has experienced weather-related disruptions previously, including during England's round of 16 match against Mexico.
Former England international Joe Hart, working as a pundit, described the situation on Saturday, posting a video of himself walking shoeless in New York as heavy rain fell. "Weather is banging here," he commented, "Shoes are off, trainers are ruined."
Spain advanced to the final after a 2-0 victory over France, while Argentina secured their spot with a late 2-1 win against England, aiming for a second consecutive title.