By Fox Sports | Created at 2026-07-18 18:32:07 | Updated at 2026-07-19 01:53:19
8 hours ago
Spain takes on defending champions Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday. Lionel Messi looks to lead the Albiceleste to a second straight title while Lamine Yamal and La Roja eye Spain's first title since 2010.
Ahead of Sunday's game, here is what the weather forecast is shaping up to be.
What Is The Weather Forecast For Spain vs. Argentina?
According to FOX Weather, the forecast for the game at East Rutherford, New Jersey, is expected to be in the low 80s and sunny. The ROWI (Risk of Weather Impact) is low. The humidity index is at 55%.
Heat and humidity was one of the reasons why hydration breaks were introduced at the World Cup. Hydration breaks are mandatory three-minute stoppages at the midpoint of each half, allowing the current lineup to regroup on the sideline for water.
What Is The Air Quality Index Forecast For Spain vs. Argentina?
Smoke from the Canadian wildfires that has engulfed the Northeast in haze is expected to mostly clear from the New Jersey area just in time for the World Cup final on Sunday, thanks to thunderstorms passing through the area, meteorologists say.
Warnings of unhealthy air quality remained in effect Saturday across a wide swath of the United States. At MetLife Stadium, where the final is taking place, it rained heavily and thunder boomed. State police urged people to leave the stadium seating bowl and field and take shelter. Volunteers and staff dashed inside for cover as ponchos were handed out. The sky was the same thick, soupy gray it has been for days.
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill warned residents Saturday about the potential for damaging winds, tornadoes, flash flooding and large hail. Spain’s training session ahead of the final against Argentina was suspended at a nearby field because of the storms and lighting in the area. And FIFA said it was in close contact with local authorities as it continues to monitor the impacts from the wildfire smoke and the storms on the conditions on field at MetLife Stadium.
This storm front will largely move the smoke out of the Northeast before the final between Spain and Argentina, said Tyler Roys, a senior meteorologist at AccuWeather. MetLife Stadium, which has been renamed the New York/New Jersey Stadium for the matches, is an open-air stadium.
"There could be some lingering smoke that would make things hazy, but very faint,' Roys said. 'In terms of the thickest smoke, the smoke that has really been eye-popping and leads to poor air quality, that is not expected across New York City or much of the Northeast."
What Are The Weather Delay Protocols At The World Cup?
At the World Cup, thunderstorms have been the main factor in weather delay protocols. Play is suspended immediately if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius of a stadium and can only resume after 30 minutes have passed without a further occurrence.
Like in other sports, a countdown starts after lightning, and there would need to be no other lightning in the area after those conditions before the match can safely be back on. Any new lightning detection resets the countdown, meaning delays can stretch for several hours if thunderstorms persist.
FIFA has no fixed time limit after which a match must be abandoned, with each situation assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Has There Been A Weather Delay At the World Cup?
The Mexico vs. England round of 16 game in Mexico City on July 5 was delayed one hour due to weather. England went on to defeat Mexico 3-2.
The Mexico vs. Ecuador round of 32 game in Mexico City on June 30 was delayed for one hour due to weather. Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 once the action got underway.
The France vs. Iraq group stage game in Philadelphia on June 23 was suspended mid-match for two hours due to weather. France was leading Iraq 1-0 when the suspension occurred, with Les Bleus winning 3-0 once play resumed.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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