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Spain’s final training canceled as severe thunderstorms force session stoppage, prompting last-minute adjustments ahead of the match.
Spain’s final World Cup training session at the Melanie Lane training ground in New Jersey was cancelled on Saturday after heavy thunderstorms forced an initial suspension and then the complete calling off of the outdoor practice, the Spanish federation (RFEF) said. The players continued warm-up work indoors while the session was halted under US storm safety protocol.
US guidelines require suspension of outdoor sporting activity if lightning or electrical activity is detected within an eight-mile radius, and activities can only resume after at least 30 minutes without further strikes, the RFEF statement noted. Fifa confirmed there would be no alternative training slot for the European champions on Saturday.
About five miles away in Morristown, Argentina trained later on Saturday after a 45-minute delay. New York City officials had earlier issued a flood advisory and advised residents to avoid dangerous conditions as the city also faced a separate air quality alert caused by haze from Canadian wildfires.
The RFEF reported the session was suspended and players continued indoor warm-up. US storm safety protocol mandates suspension when lightning is within eight miles and a 30-minute clear window is required before resuming. Fifa stated no replacement training time was available for Spain on Saturday.