Spain's final training session before Sunday's World Cup final was canceled due to heavy thunderstorms in New Jersey. The team was scheduled to practice at the Melanie Lane training ground but the session was initially suspended before being called off entirely.
US storm safety protocols dictate that outdoor sporting events must be suspended if lightning or electrical activity is detected within an eight-mile radius. Events can only resume if there have been no lightning strikes for at least 30 minutes. FIFA, the tournament organizer, stated that no alternative training times were available for the Spanish team on Saturday.
Despite the cancellation of Spain's session, their opponents, Argentina, were able to train approximately five miles away in Morristown after a 45-minute delay. The final is scheduled to take place on Sunday at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
Earlier in the week, New York and New Jersey experienced air quality alerts due to haze from wildfires in Canada. Spain secured their place in the final by defeating France 2-0, while Argentina came from behind to beat England 2-1.
