Wildfire Smoke Clouds Northeast Ahead of World Cup Final

Smoke from Canadian wildfires reached parts of the Northeast this week, creating uncertainty about air quality for Sunday's World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at the Meadowlands stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The New York City skyline appeared through a cover of wildfire smoke on Friday. Air quality improved that day, but conditions could worsen again before the match.

Wildfire smoke is linked to tens of thousands of deaths a year, medical studies show, triggering asthma attacks and heart problems within hours of exposure. Doctors generally advise limiting outdoor activity and exercise when smoke fills the air. Spain midfielder Mikel Merino said he can see and smell the smoke. He added that players must focus on the game itself.

“For a game that is as important as a World Cup final, you have to be able to shut out external factors as much as possible." — Mikel Merino, Friday Spain practiced outdoors Thursday in hazardous conditions, a decision that alarmed some experts who believed the session should have moved indoors. FIFA and the Spanish federation did not respond to questions.”

Mark Parrington, a senior scientist at the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service, said up to 1.25 inches of rain is expected Saturday. That storm could clear the air, or a fresh smoke mass trailing behind it could push back in before Sunday. Roughly 80,000 fans are expected at the stadium. The uncertainty carries real health stakes for attendees if smoke levels rise again.