Will wildfire smoke over New York threaten the World Cup final?

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The Independent

17 July 2026

After a World Cup repeatedly impacted by thunderstorms and with several games delayed due to adverse weather, there could be yet more weather-related disruption at this weekend’s final.

New York and New Jersey officials have issued an air quality health alert as a result of wildfire smoke caused by Canadian wildfires, which is affecting the entire northeast of the US and southern Canada.

Haze has blanketed the area and prompted concerns about residents’ health ahead of Sunday’s final, which is to be held at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The New York Office of Emergency Management said on Thursday that air quality levels in the city had reached “very unhealthy” levels and officials urged residents to avoid being outdoors for more than an hour at a time.

Spain landed in New Jersey on Wednesday night, the day after beating France in their semi-final, and trained outdoors on Thursday, where they appeared unaffected by the weather. Argentina will begin training in New Jersey on Friday.

While conditions have been poor in the latter half of this week they are expected to improve on Friday, with rain which is forecast for Saturday expected to further disperse some of the smoke.

The stadium for the final is entirely open-air but the expectation is that by that point the weather will no longer be an issue.

A National Women’s Soccer League match between Gotham FC and Washington Spirit took place on Wednesday night in Queens despite the poor air quality, with players mandated to take two breaks per half as a result.

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