FIFA respond to fears World Cup final could be in doubt due to wildfire smoke

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina will go ahead as scheduled despite severe air pollution warnings affecting parts of New Jersey and New York.

Health officials issued air quality alerts after smoke from ongoing wildfires in Canada spread across large areas of the northeastern United States, raising concerns ahead of Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.

The poor air quality has already disrupted sporting events in the region. An MLS match between Chicago Fire and Vancouver Whitecaps was postponed on Thursday, while an NWSL game between Gotham FC and Washington Spirit in New York proceeded with additional hydration breaks due to the smoky conditions.

Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman admitted the air quality affected players during the match, saying, “Air quality was rough. Not to make excuses at all, but I think on both sides we were all like, ‘another break, another break, another break.'” 

Despite the conditions, FIFA is not considering postponing the World Cup final, with reports indicating there are no concerns about staging the match. Weather forecasts predict rainfall on Saturday, which is expected to help clear some of the smoke before Sunday’s showdown.

The National Weather Service said smoke would remain in the region but should be less intense than previous days, although it warned that conditions could worsen again overnight into Saturday. Spain, who arrived in New Jersey after defeating France in the semi-finals, continued their preparations by training outdoors on Thursday as they gear up to face Argentina in the tournament’s final.