Spain cancels final World Cup tuneup, Argentina practice after weather delay

Spain was forced to cancel their final training session on Saturday ahead of the World Cup final due to thunderstorms in New Jersey, while its opponent Argentina practiced after a delay of roughly 45 minutes.

The two nations battle for the title on Sunday at East Rutherford, New Jersey. 

Under tournament protocol, training must be postponed if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius. Lightning is typically checked every 30 minutes until it is safe to resume activity.

The protocol has delayed several matches throughout the tournament, held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

With a steady rain throughout the morning and into the early afternoon, Spain waited out the storm for around 40 minutes before opting to cancel.

Though the inclement weather affected the last practices, the rain was expected to clear the haze in the area caused by the Canadian wildfires, which would make for better conditions for Sunday's 3 pm final at nearby MetLife Stadium.