Soccer-Wildfire smoke to have minimal impact on World Cup final


The New York City skyline and the One World Trade Center, as wildfire smoke impacts air quality in New York City, U.S., July 17, 2026. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz

NEW ⁠YORK, July 17 (Reuters) - Canadian wildfire smoke will ⁠have a minimal impact on Sunday's World ‌Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium, forecaster AccuWeather said on Friday, as a crowd of more than ​80,000 is set to watch ⁠Argentina play Spain ⁠for soccer's biggest prize.

Heavy smoke from hundreds of wildfires ⁠in ‌Canada has blanketed a large swath of the U.S. this week, prompting ⁠air quality warnings from officials.

Air quality may ​register below "good ‌levels" on Sunday in East Rutherford, New ⁠Jersey, AccuWeather ​said, but fans and players can expect an improvement over the "poor to unhealthy" conditions expected on ⁠Saturday.

"It may still not be considered ​good, but it should not be as bad as Saturday. It will also be less humid ⁠compared to Saturday, which will make for more comfortable conditions," said meteorologist Adam Douty.

The New York New Jersey region smelled of smoke under ​hazy skies this week, as ⁠local authorities urged residents to reduce strenuous outdoor ​activity.

Rain forecast for Saturday is ‌expected to help dissipate a ​lot of the smoke.

(Reporting by Amy Tennery in New YorkEditing by Christian Radnedge)

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