New Jersey State Warns of Smoke Threat to World Cup Final Between Spain and Argentina

The US state of New Jersey is under a smoke alert due to the massive wildfires in Canada. Just days before hosting the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.

In East Rutherford, where MetLife Stadium, the venue for Sunday’s match, is located. Air quality has reached levels considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, according to the IQAir system.

Thus, with the sun barely visible through the haze, the Spanish national team held its training session on Thursday in the nearby town of East Hanover.

However, forecasts predict heavy rain on Saturday, which could help disperse the smoke and mitigate risks during the final. For the moment, neither FIFA nor the national teams have commented on any potential impacts.

The smoke has already affected other sporting events.

Poor air quality has already had consequences for sporting events in the country. On Wednesday, an NWSL match, the top division of women’s soccer, between Gotham FC and Washington Spirit in New York was played with additional hydration breaks.

Meanwhile, in Chicago, the smoke caused the postponement of an MLS soccer match between the Chicago Fire and Whitecaps that was scheduled for Thursday.

With information from RT.com