Gotham FC hosted Seattle Reign FC at Icahn Stadium on Randall's Island with two mandatory hydration breaks per half after the air quality index reached AQI 180 from Canadian wildfire smoke. Kickoff was also delayed 2 1/2 hours due to lightning. The NWSL implements two breaks per half when AQI hits 150–180, with possible delays at 180–200 and postponement above 200.

Four days earlier at Citi Field, Gotham and the Washington Spirit played before 42,175 fans — the second-largest NWSL crowd — despite a heat index near 100°F and AQI around 170. Spirit forward Trinity Rodman called the 15-minute stoppages disruptive: "If we have to have a hydration break every 15 minutes, then we shouldn't be playing." Coach Adrian Gonzalez and defender Tara Rudd echoed frustration.

MLS postponed games in Chicago and Cleveland due to the same smoke plume affecting over 100 million Americans. Reign coach Laura Harvey reported burning eyes and sore throat after training. Forecasters expect conditions to improve by Sunday's Men's World Cup final between Argentina and Spain in East Rutherford, New Jersey.