The FIFA World Cup 2026 final is facing a new challenge as smoke from wildfires in Canada has spread across parts of the northeastern United States, affecting air quality in New York and New Jersey.

The highly anticipated final between Argentina and Spain will be played on July 19 at the New York–New Jersey Stadium, where more than 80,000 football fans are expected to gather for the historic event.

According to international media reports, tournament organizers are closely monitoring weather conditions and air quality levels to ensure the safety of players and spectators during the match.

Health authorities have advised people to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities and reduce intense physical exertion due to the presence of wildfire smoke in the atmosphere. Medical experts say prolonged exposure to smoke can be harmful, especially for people involved in strenuous activities.

Experts have warned that playing a 90-minute football match in polluted air could put additional pressure on athletes’ lungs and cardiovascular systems.

Respiratory specialist Dr. Vin Gupta told Reuters that playing football for 90 minutes in a smoke-filled environment could increase stress on players’ hearts and lungs. He also advised spectators with respiratory conditions to take precautions and consider wearing masks if needed.

Weather and climate experts, however, believe that conditions could improve before the final. Rain and thunderstorms expected on Saturday may help reduce airborne smoke particles, while cooler winds could improve air quality in the region.

Weather forecasts suggest temperatures could reach around 32°C on Friday, with rain expected on Saturday. On the day of the final, temperatures are likely to remain around 29°C, creating relatively better conditions for the match.

The final will mark the first-ever World Cup meeting between Spain and Argentina. Spain, champions in 2010, will be aiming to secure their second World Cup title, while defending champions Argentina will enter the tournament looking to win back-to-back world championships.

The closing ceremony of the FIFA World Cup final is also expected to attract global attention. International music stars, including Shakira and Justin Bieber, are set to perform during the halftime show.

Meanwhile, it has been announced that the winning team’s captain will receive the World Cup trophy from U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Although air pollution has created temporary concerns ahead of the final, experts believe that if the current weather forecast holds, there is unlikely to be any major disruption to the world’s biggest football event.