Spain vs Argentina kick-off time decision as FIFA respond to World Cup final 'threat'

Spain vs Argentina kick-off time decision as FIFA respond to World Cup final 'threat' Spain take on Argentina at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday evening, with thunderstorms threatening FIFA's planned 8pm kick-off time for their showpiece The 2026 World Cup final will go ahead at its scheduled 8pm kick-off time, despite fears of disruption through thunderstorms. Spain and Argentina are set to get underway at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday evening, as this summer's tournament in North America reaches its climax. World Football's most prestigious tournament hasn't been without its teething problems due to unpredictable weather, with a number of matches being postponed of delayed for hours as a result of thunder and lightning. As per US law, any lightning within an eight-mile radius puts a pause on play for at least half an hour until the last detected strike. That was witnessed during France's group stage clash with Iraq last month, with proceedings being halted for almost two hours due to stormy conditions in and around the Lincoln Financial Field. England's round of 16 battle with Mexico at the Estadio Azteca, meanwhile, was also postponed by an hour due to storms. Sunday's final encounter between Spain and Argentina was also cast into speculation as a result of forecasted thunderstorms across New Jersey. Smoke drifting south of the border through Canadian wildfires also brought fears that the location of the showpiece could be moved altogether due to diminished air quality. However, FIFA have now confirmed that no changes will be made to the 8pm kick-off time, nor the venue, as conditions continue to be monitored alongside the National Weather Service. It comes as thunderstorms has already disrupted both finalists' preparations. Spain were scheduled to hold an outdoor training session on Saturday at the Melanie Lane Training Ground, only for it to be suspended due to lightning moving into the locale. A statement was subsequently issued by the Spanish Football Federation. It read: "The Spanish national team's training session on the pitches at the Melanie Lane Training Ground in New Jersey has been suspended in accordance with the US storm safety protocol. The players are currently taking part in a warm-up session indoors." Argentina also had to make changes to their own training session in Morristown, kick-starting their preparations 45 minutes late as a result of the adverse weather. It comes as the European and World Champions go head to head on Sunday evening. Luis de la Fuente's Spain secured their spot in the final thanks to a 2-0 rout over France on Tuesday, Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro making the difference in that encounter. Argentina, meanwhile, enjoyed a 2-1 win over England on Wednesday, with late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez cancelling out Anthony Gordon's opener. England and France played out a third-place play-off clash in Miami, Florida, on Saturday evening - in what landed as a formality rather than any sort of prestigious encounter. England ultimately ran out 6-4 winners during that game, thanks to a Bukayo Saka hattrick and additional goals from Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa and Jude Bellingham. Kylian Mbappe managed a brace, while Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele found the scoresheet for France, although their strikes counted for naught in the grand scheme of things. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. [Image text:] FIFA WORLDCUP2026 THEFINA