Credit: Jeenah Moon-Reuters via Imagn Images

Storm Chaos Delays Real Madrid Flight Ahead of PSG Clash, Is the Match Postponed?

Real Madrid Cancel Pre-Match Press Duties As Weather Wreaks Havoc.

Credit: Jeenah Moon-Reuters via Imagn Images

Real Madrid’s preparations for their Club World Cup semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain have been disrupted by severe weather. A tropical storm in Florida forced the Spanish giants to hover over New York for some time, delaying their departure for about an hour and then some more mid-flight.

Xabi Alonso’s side was set to depart at 4:00 PM local time. However, they had to board their flight an hour later as heavy rains and storm warnings grounded flights across the region. Even when on the flight, they had to hover mid-flight for some time, waiting to get the clearance for landing.

Due to flight delay for more than 2 hours,

There will be no press conference from Xabi Alonso, nor mixed zone interviews from Valverde, Courtois, and Jacobo pic.twitter.com/lxxkIKtcex
— Real Madrid Info ³⁶ (@RMadridInfo) July 9, 2025

The squad eventually landed at New York’s JFK Airport at 8:52 PM. This was more than four hours later than their expected landing time. The delay led FIFA to cancel all of Madrid’s planned media activities for the day. This includes coach Alonso’s press conference.

Thibaut Courtois, Federico Valverde, and Jacobo Ramon also had press duties with their coach. When PSG coach Luis Enrique was informed about the matter by The Athletic, he exclaimed, “He’s not coming?! Really?! It doesn’t change anything to me, I didn’t know about the flight, I hope they can arrive normally.”

Also Read: Real Madrid Close to Sealing Alvaro Carreras After FIFA Club World Cup

Uncertainty Over PSG vs Real Madrid Kick-off Time?

There has already been a delay in starting a match in the Club World Cup. Chelsea’s round of 16 clash with Benfica was delayed for two hours for the same ‘extreme weather’ reasons. Hence, it’s not far-fetched to think that Madrid’s semi-final at MetLife Stadium on Wednesday may be delayed as well.

However, as of now, there is no official word from FIFA regarding a delay to the match itself. Meteorologists continue to monitor the storm system, which has brought torrential rains and high winds to the East Coast. Madrid had initially planned to remain in New York after their quarterfinal win.

Also Read: Real Madrid Open to Andriy Lunin Sale Amid Courtois’ Return to Full Fitness

However, they opted to return to their Florida base due to superior facilities and comfort. According to FIFA regulations, teams are obligated to attend all official media events. However, a Real Madrid spokesperson stated that no fines or sanctions are anticipated for missing the pre-match commitments.

It should be so as delays for weather anomalies are unforeseen by anyone. This match is set to be one of the most thrilling ones in the Club World Cup. Hence, all attention is now on the weather forecast and FIFA’s response. Over 80,000 tickets have been sold for the MetLife Stadium. It’s needless to say that any more issues could dampen the excitement.

Luis Enrique

Paris Saint-Germain

PSG

PSG vs Real Madrid

Real Madrid

Xabi Alonso

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.