Hazy skies from wildfire smoke unlikely to cancel World Cup final in New Jersey

Hazy skies from wildfire smoke are expected to improve in time for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final in New Jersey, rather than forcing a cancellation. Forecasts cited by AirNow and U.S. EPA air-quality data said conditions over New York City were “unhealthy for sensitive groups” as of midday Saturday, with smoke from Canadian wildfires lingering. By Sunday, northwesterly winds were expected to push the smoke out, with an improvement also predicted by IQAir for East Rutherford. The match is scheduled for Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, across from New York City. FIFA told Reuters on Friday that current air-quality levels do not pose a threat to the final. Organizers could postpone by a few hours if needed. Spain’s Saturday training session was affected by storms and lightning in East Hanover, with players warming up indoors.