The 2026 World Cup final is confirmed to kick off as scheduled at 8pm, despite concerns about possible thunderstorms. Spain and Argentina are poised to start their match at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday evening, marking the climax of this summer’s tournament in North America.
The prestigious World Football tournament has faced challenges due to unpredictable weather, leading to several matches being delayed or postponed due to thunder and lightning. According to US regulations, any lightning within an eight-mile radius mandates a play suspension for at least 30 minutes after the last detected strike.
This protocol was evident during France’s group stage game against Iraq last month, where the match was halted for nearly two hours due to stormy conditions at the Lincoln Financial Field. Additionally, England’s round of 16 match against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca was delayed by an hour due to adverse weather.
Speculation surrounded Sunday’s final between Spain and Argentina due to forecasted thunderstorms in New Jersey. Concerns were also raised about potentially relocating the event due to diminished air quality caused by smoke drifting from Canadian wildfires.
However, FIFA has announced that there will be no changes to the 8pm kick-off time or the venue, with ongoing monitoring of conditions in collaboration with the National Weather Service. Both finalist teams have already been affected by thunderstorms disrupting their preparations.
Spain had to suspend their outdoor training session at the Melanie Lane Training Ground on Saturday due to lightning in the area, following the US storm safety protocol. Meanwhile, Argentina’s training in Morristown started 45 minutes late due to adverse weather conditions as they gear up for the final showdown.
Spain secured their spot in the final by defeating France 2-0, with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro. On the other hand, Argentina secured their place in the final with a 2-1 victory over England, courtesy of late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez.
In a third-place play-off in Miami, England emerged victorious against France with a 6-4 win, highlighted by a hattrick from Bukayo Saka and goals from Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa, and Jude Bellingham. Kylian Mbappe scored twice for France, while Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele also found the net in a match that didn’t alter the final standings.
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