By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-07-18 19:01:39 | Updated at 2026-07-18 22:08:53
3 hours ago
Severe thunderstorms have hit the New York area just 24 hours from the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.
Flash flooding has brought New York City to a standstill and further disruption is expected throughout the metropolitan area on Saturday.
There is also the threat of tornadoes in parts of New Jersey, winds of more than 65 miles per hour and of flooding to worsen after the area received up to three inches of rainfall in one hour, according to latest forecasts.
The severe weather will be a concern for FIFA with the World Cup final kicking off at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday afternoon (8pm GMT).
It has already forced the cancellation of Spain's last training session before the final, where they will look to dethrone reigning champions Argentina.
Luis de la Fuente's men were due to train at Red Bull's New York facility but their session was postponed because of thunderstorms before eventually being called off.
Video from New York captured torrential downpours amid severe weather warnings in the area
It comes just 24 hours before the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in New Jersey
'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 Spanish FA said in a statement.
'The players are currently having an activation session at the indoor facilities.'
Argentina were also forced inside because of the weather but Lionel Scaloni's team were able to train on the grass outdoors.
The forecast is much improved for the day of the World Cup final but FIFA could still be on alert.
FIFA's severe weather protocol dictates the match must be suspended if lightning strikes within an eight-mile radius of the stadium, and cannot resume until there is no further electrical discharge for 30 minutes.
The tournament has been disrupted by weather, with England's win over Mexico in the round of 16 among the matches affected.
Ex-England international Joe Hart, working as a pundit for the BBC, was caught up in the storms earlier on Saturday.
Hart posted a video of him walking in New York without any shoes as the rain poured down. 'Weather is banging here,' he said. 'Shoes are off, trainers are ruined.'
Spain reached the final with an impressive 2-0 win over France, while Argentina left it late to beat arch-rivals England 2-1 to continue their bid for a second straight title.
How much is David Beckham set to pocket from his World Cup brand deals? Take on our quiz in our newsletter HERE.
