Real Madrid at risk of missing Club World Cup semifinal vs PSG due to storm disruption

Real Madrid’s travel plans have been thrown into disarray as a storm system affecting Miami delayed their flight to New York. The team was set to depart from Palm Beach at 4:00 p.m. local time, but worsening weather conditions kept the plane grounded.

A weather alert in Miami, where a week of storms is expected to intensify by Friday, has stranded Real Madrid at Palm Beach Airport. The team was scheduled to fly to New York to fulfill their media duties ahead of their Club World Cup semifinal against PSG at MetLife Stadium, but severe weather has prevented their plane from taking off. The flight, originally set for 4 p.m. local time, was grounded due to a developing storm, and the outlook isn’t promising, according to club sources.

Just days ago, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued a concerning forecast for Florida, predicting a 60% chance of a tropical depression or tropical storm forming this week—prompting widespread alerts across the state. Despite knowing that the remainder of their tournament would be played in New Jersey, Real Madrid opted to return to Miami after their quarterfinal win over Juventus.

The decision was based on the security and comfort of their accommodations in Palm Beach and the proximity to their training base, which had served as their headquarters throughout the competition.

Now, the situation threatens FIFA’s official media schedule ahead of the highly anticipated clash with PSG. After the Fluminense vs. Chelsea semifinal at MetLife Stadium, Luis Enrique is scheduled to address the press. Earlier in the day, PSG players Fabián Ruiz, Kvaratskhelia, and Zaire-Emery spoke to the media from their training base in New York.

Next in line is Real Madrid, but as of now, it’s unclear whether the team will arrive in time. The club had planned for players Courtois, Valverde, and Jacobo to speak in the mixed zone, followed by manager Xabi Alonso’s press conference.