Wildfire smoke drifting from Canada might impose a serious threat to the final game between Spain and Argentina.
FIFA is monitoring the conditions with the local authorities.
Rain is expected this weekend which might clear much of the lingering smoke before the final.
Spain will be taking on Argentina at the MetLife stadium, New York as both the teams would be fighting for the FIFA World Cup 2026 title but this time the concern is not only football.
Days before the final, wildfire smoke drifting south from Canada have been affecting the weather conditions of New York and New Jersey ahead of the final which could turn out to be a major concern.
While conditions have become better compared to earlier this week, forecasts still suggest the possibility of rain and thunderstorm with a bit of haze during the matchday.
FIFA officials are still in touch with the local authorities and are continuing monitoring the conditions.
Explanation Of Wildfire Smoke
Hundreds of wildfire across the northern Ontario have pushed smoke into several major cities of the United States.
Combined with heat, the smoke has remained trapped close to the ground creating hazy skies and reducing the overall air quality of New York.
Earlier this week, Air Quality Index (AQI) readings crossed the "unhealthy" threshold in several parts of the region before gradually improving.
Rain expected over the weekend is likely to help clear much of the lingering smoke before the final.
Latest Weather Forecast
Current forecast indicate that the weather by far will be favorable before kick-off:
Temperature expected around 29°C (85°F)
Humid conditions likely throughout the match
Possibility of scattered showers before kick-off
Thunderstorm risk expected to decrease closer to match time
Air quality projected to improve significantly compared to earlier in the week
At present, there is no indication that FIFA plans to delay or postpone the final.
How Poor Air Quality Can Impact The Player's Performance
According to respiratory experts, poor air quality can affect elite athletes by causing throat irritation, coughing, eye discomfort and shortness of breath. Players with asthma or other respiratory conditions are generally more vulnerable, while humid conditions can also increase physical fatigue.
However, specialists believe the expected improvement in air quality should reduce those risks considerably before Sunday's final.
Spain Vs Argentina Ready For Another Classic
With the weather forecast improving, attention is expected to return to football.
Spain arrive after eliminating France, while Argentina produced another comeback victory to reach the final.
If conditions continue to improve as expected, the FIFA World Cup 2026 final should be decided by the players on the pitch rather than the elements.
