Officials in New York and New Jersey have issued an air quality health alert due to wildfire smoke just days before the World Cup final. Haze from Canadian wildfires has blanketed the region, prompting advice for residents to limit outdoor activity. The New York New Jersey Stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is scheduled to host the final between Spain and Argentina on Sunday, July 19th.

Conditions worsened as Spain arrived in New Jersey, though the team trained outdoors and appeared unaffected. Argentina, who remained in Georgia after their semi-final, is set to train in New Jersey on Friday. Concerns have been raised by individuals working at the stadium, describing the air as "heavy" and "hard to dance" in.

Even though some footballers have experienced poor air quality, including during an NWSL match where players required extra breaks, there are currently no indications that the World Cup final will be impacted. The air quality is expected to improve, with rain forecast for Saturday to help clear the smoke.