World Cup final stadium in New York faces air quality alert from wildfire smoke

Wildfire smoke billowing from Canada has enveloped the New York metropolitan area, causing a dramatic decline in air quality and raising alarms just days before the World Cup final. Officials issued air quality alerts on July 16, urging residents to limit outdoor activities as the smoke created a thick, orange haze.

The hazardous conditions are casting a shadow over the upcoming World Cup final, scheduled for July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford. Spanish team players, who arrived in New Jersey on July 15 after their semi-final match, have been training outdoors despite the worsening air quality. The Argentinian team, currently in Georgia, is expected to begin training in New Jersey on July 17.

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She messaged me that it was very bad there. She said she had a hard time even dancing, the air was very heavy.

Concerns about the impact of the smoke on player health and performance are mounting. One contractor involved in the final's opening ceremonies described the air as "very bad" and difficult to breathe, even impacting dance rehearsals. Trinity Rodman, a star player in the U.S. National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), stated after a recent match played in similar smoky conditions in Queens that the game "should not have been played."

While the New York New Jersey Stadium is an open-air venue, there is currently no indication that the final, expected to draw over 80,000 spectators and feature a star-studded halftime show, will be postponed. Forecasters predict a potential improvement in air quality by July 17, with expected rainfall on July 18 possibly further clearing the smoke. Meanwhile, a Major League Soccer (MLS) game in Chicago was postponed due to deteriorating air quality in that region.

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Not to make excuses, but I think both teams were thinking, 'one more water break, one more water break, one more water break.'