Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Wildfire smoke from Canada triggered health warnings across New York and New Jersey on Thursday, July 16, 2026, days before Spain face Argentina in the FIFA World Cup final. Spain still completed an outdoor training session in New Jersey, raising concerns about player exposure before Sunday’s match.
The National Weather Service forecast an Air Quality Index of 200 for New York City and 151 for Newark, placing both locations in the unhealthy category. Particle pollution was also reported at seven times the World Health Organization standard, prompting officials to advise people to remain indoors or wear masks.
The final will feature several players accustomed to high-pressure matches, including Argentina defender Cristian Romero, who has delivered throughout the tournament.
Lamine Yamal and his Spain teammates trained outside for about an hour despite the smoke. Spain officials did not answer questions about whether an indoor training venue had been available.
“These are high-level athletes who are moving a lot of air through their lungs during every practice in every game, and really they shouldn’t be practising outside if the air quality levels are at hazardous sort of ranges for wildfire-related air pollution,” Dr Courtney Howard said.
An MLS match in Chicago that was expected to feature Robert Lewandowski’s debut was cancelled for safety reasons. Sam Kerr’s NWSL return in New York also included hydration breaks during both halves.
Argentina trained in Atlanta, where the smoke had not affected conditions, after defeating England in the semi-final. Smoke from fires in northern Ontario had travelled across the United States Midwest and into the north-east.
Supporters can monitor pollution through the official AirNow Fire and Smoke Map. Conditions are expected to improve before the Spain and Argentina World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.
Rain forecast for Saturday should help move air quality toward moderate levels before kick-off.
