New York issues air quality alert days before World Cup final

New York issues air quality alert days before World Cup finalImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, New York New Jersey Stadium has so far staged seven matches at the 2026 World CupByNada TawfikNorth America correspondentPublished2 minutes agoOfficials in New York and New Jersey have issued an air quality health alert because of wildfire smoke just days before the World Cup final.Haze caused by Canadian wildfires has blanketed the New York region, prompting officials to urge residents to reduce outdoor exertion and stay indoors if possible.New York New Jersey Stadium - which is in East Rutherford, New Jersey - will host the final between Spain and Argentina on Sunday, 19 July (20:00 BST).Conditions deteriorated just before Spain landed in New Jersey on Wednesday night, a day after their semi-final victory over France in Texas. Spain spent Thursday training outdoors, looking unaffected by the air quality. They have not commented on whether they are concerned.Argentina, meanwhile, stayed in Georgia after their semi-final win over England, but will begin training in New Jersey on Friday afternoon.Contractor Dan Edgar said his daughter Kaitlynn was practising at New York New Jersey Stadium on Thursday, where she will be dancing and performing for the final."She's texting me that it's bad out there," he said. "It's hard to dance, she says you can feel the air, it's heavy."The smoke-filled sky and extremely hot temperatures have already been experienced by some footballers. The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) went ahead with a match between Gotham FC and Washington Spirit on Wednesday night in front of a record crowd at Citi Field in Queens despite the orange haze.The air quality index meant players were mandated to take two breaks per half according to NWSL policy.Washington Spirit's Trinity Rodman said after the match that the air quality was rough, and in her opinion, they shouldn't have played.Rodman said:...