The 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina will go ahead as planned despite air quality warnings affecting parts of New Jersey and New York ahead of Sunday’s showpiece.
Health officials have issued air quality alerts after smoke from ongoing wildfires in Canada drifted across large areas of the north-eastern United States, prompting concerns over conditions at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.
The deteriorating air quality has already disrupted several sporting events in the region. An MLS fixture between Chicago Fire and Vancouver Whitecaps was postponed on Thursday, while an NWSL match between Gotham FC and Washington Spirit in New York was played with additional hydration breaks to help players cope with the smoky conditions.
Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman acknowledged the impact the conditions had on both teams after the match.
“Air quality was rough. Not to make excuses at all, but I think on both sides we were all like, ‘another break, another break, another break.'”
Despite the warnings, FIFA is not considering postponing the World Cup final, with reports indicating there are no concerns over the match being staged as scheduled.
Forecasters expect rainfall on Saturday, which is likely to improve air quality by helping to clear some of the smoke before Sunday’s final. However, the National Weather Service has warned that smoke will remain in the region, albeit at lower concentrations than earlier in the week, with conditions potentially deteriorating again overnight into Saturday.
Spain, who booked their place in the final with a semi-final victory over France, continued their preparations by training outdoors on Thursday as they look to lift the World Cup trophy against Argentina.
