Argentina flight delay hits World Cup final prep; Spain's Amel cleared to play

Argentina's national team and its coaching staff were stranded at Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta airport after a thunderstorm forced the airport to suspend all flights. The delay prevented the squad from departing for New York as planned, adding at least one extra day in Atlanta and compressing the limited training window before the World Cup final against Spain. Normally a two‑hour flight to New York provides the team with a full day of preparation, but the postponement may leave them with just over a day of on‑field practice in New York.

Meanwhile, Spain's 19‑year‑old winger Lamine Yamal, who suffered a thigh knock in the semifinal and missed a training session, was confirmed fit by head coach Luis de la Fuente. After a brief rest and targeted rehabilitation, Yamal took part in a closed‑door session in New Jersey and is expected to start in the final against Argentina. Spain also dealt with minor injuries to defender Pedro Porro, but the squad remains largely ready.

Both teams are set to meet at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 19 July (local time) for the 2026 World Cup final, a match that will decide the tournament's champion.