Heavy thunderstorms in New Jersey forced Spain to cancel their final training session before Sunday's World Cup final against Argentina, with the fitness of Lamine Yamal and Pedro Porro also causing concern after the pair missed the session.
Luis de la Fuente's side were due to train at the Melanie Lane training ground in New Jersey, but the session was suspended and later called off after lightning was detected within an eight-mile radius, in line with US storm safety protocol. The protocol requires a 30-minute wait after the last strike before outdoor events can resume. Fifa said there would be no alternative time slots for Spain to train.
“Spain's final training cancelled due to thunderstorms; Yamal and Porro miss session, sparking injury fears before World Cup final against Argentina.”
New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani had warned residents not to "risk your safety in these dangerous conditions" as the city was under a flood advisory. Earlier this week, an air quality health alert was issued due to haze from Canadian wildfires.
Argentina, who are looking to become only the third nation to retain the World Cup, were able to train after a 45-minute delay in nearby Morristown. Spain beat France 2-0 in the semi-finals, while Argentina staged a late 2-1 comeback against England.
The tournament has taken a heavy toll on several players, particularly Arsenal's William Saliba, who was forced off after just 30 minutes of France's semi-final defeat with a back injury. Saliba admitted he has been "gritting my teeth" for months, and reports in France suggest he could be out for four months, with surgery among the options being considered by Arsenal. The Gunners have eight players still involved in the tournament, including Spain trio David Raya, Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi, and England quartet Noni Madueke, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, who face France in Saturday's bronze medal match.
Sunday's final will also decide the Golden Boot race. If players are level on goals, the award is decided by assists, and if still tied, by fewest minutes played, as determined by Fifa's Technical Study Group.
With thunderstorms, air quality alerts, and injury doubts clouding the build-up, the final at the New York New Jersey Stadium promises to be a tense showdown between the European champions and the defending world champions.