Residents of New York City received an 'imminent threat' alert on their mobile phones and other devices on Saturday, July 18, as the city braced for severe weather conditions.

The New York New Jersey Stadium is set to host the World Cup Final on Sunday, with fans from Spain and Argentina eager to witness their national teams compete for football’s most prestigious title.

Spain are aiming to secure their second World Cup trophy, while Argentina are chasing a fourth title, which would see them draw level with Germany and Italy on four championships each.

The 2026 World Cup has seen several weather disruptions this summer, with matches such as France vs Iraq and Mexico vs England being delayed because of thunderstorms and official shelter-in-place orders.

As the grand finale of the tournament approaches, authorities in New York City warned residents to avoid unnecessary travel unless they were 'fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order' on Saturday afternoon.

Heavy thunderstorms swept across the city, bringing torrential rain that flooded streets and subway stations, turning them into temporary streams.

The National Weather Service issued a statement reading: "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."

Due to the hazardous conditions, Adidas closed their fan zone at Brooklyn Bridge Park on the eve of the World Cup Final.

However, weather forecasts for Sunday afternoon, when the final kicks off at 3pm local time, indicate much better conditions. Meteorologists predict clear skies, light winds, and a warm temperature of 29°C at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

The improved forecast will provide relief to FIFA organisers, who have planned an extravagant half-time show featuring global music icons Justin Bieber, Madonna, and Shakira.

Saturday’s torrential rain would have severely affected or potentially delayed the star-studded performance had similar conditions persisted.

Spain and Argentina will clash for the 2026 World Cup title at the New York New Jersey Stadium at 3pm local time (8pm BST) on Sunday.