The New York New Jersey Stadium is set to host the World Cup Final on Sunday with fans of Spain and Argentina hopeful of seeing their country lift the famous trophy.
Spain are vying for a second World Cup title, whilst Argentina are bidding to go level with Germany and Italy on four apiece.
Plenty has been made of the conditions in which the 2026 World Cup has taken place this summer with games such as France-Iraq and Mexico-England delayed due to thunderstorms and shelter-in-place orders issued.
World Cup Final weather report
Now, ahead of the tournament’s showpiece finale, New York City residents were warned to avoid travel unless ‘fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order’ on Saturday afternoon.
Thunderstorms rolled through the city, instigating a downpour of biblical proportions, turning roads and subway stations into makeshift streams.
The National Weather Service’s alert read: “Imminent Threat Alert – A FLASH FLOOD WARNING is in effect for this area until 3:30pm EDT. This is a dangerous and life-threatening situation.
“Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order.”
Adidas closed their fanzone at Brooklyn Bridge Park due to the inclement conditions on World Cup Final eve, too.
The weather forecast for Sunday afternoon, when the final is scheduled to kick-off at 3pm local time, is much improved. Meteorologists expect temperatures of 29°C at the New York New Jersey Stadium with light winds and clear skies.
Favourable conditions will ease the concerns of tournament organisers FIFA, who have arranged a bumper half-time show in the middle of the contest, which will feature the likes of Justin Bieber, Madonna and Shakira.
A downpour of Saturday’s kind would certainly have dampened the ensemble cast’s performance, or delayed it altogether if lightning strikes were present in the area.
Spain take on Argentina at the New York New Jersey Stadium at 3pm local (8pm BST) on Sunday afternoon.