Air Quality Near Stadium Improves Ahead of World Cup Final

Heavy, acrid smoke from wildfires in the American and Canadian West reached the eastern United States on Saturday, leaving air quality in the unhealthy range near New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which holds more than 82,000 spectators for the July 19 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain.

New York State had issued an air quality alert on Thursday after the index climbed into unhealthy and very unhealthy ranges. Readings near the stadium remained unhealthy as of Friday morning but were forecast to reach moderate levels by Sunday.

Argentina and Spain are scheduled to play with Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal on the field. The Spanish national team held an outdoor practice in New Jersey on Thursday. FIFA has not announced any contingency plan for wildfire smoke at the final and did not respond to requests for comment.

The organization has previously described protocols for extreme heat, including mandatory water breaks, and stated that climate-related risks are assessed in coordination with host cities and national agencies.

Other leagues acted during the same smoke episode. The National Women's Soccer League added hydration breaks when the air quality index reached 101 and cancels games above 200. Major League Baseball rescheduled a game in Philadelphia, and Major League Soccer canceled one in Chicago.

"These are high-level athletes who are moving a lot of air through their lungs," said Dr. Courtney Howard of the Global Climate and Health Alliance. New York City Department of Health officials did not respond to requests for comment.