Smoke drifting from Canadian wildfires has enveloped the New York New Jersey Stadium ahead of Sunday's World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, prompting organisers to monitor conditions closely.
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Key facts
- Smoke from Canadian wildfires shrouded the New York New Jersey Stadium ahead of the World Cup final.
- The final is set between Spain and Argentina.
- World Cup organisers are monitoring the situation 'closely'.
- The US and FIFA presidents were meeting on Friday, according to Al Jazeera.
Smoke from Canadian wildfires has blanketed the New York New Jersey Stadium in the lead-up to Sunday’s World Cup final, according to Al Jazeera. Footage shared by the outlet showed the venue shrouded in haze ahead of the tournament’s showpiece match.
The final pits Spain against Argentina, and questions have been raised about whether the drifting smoke could affect the fixture. Al Jazeera reported that World Cup organisers are monitoring the situation ‘closely’ as conditions develop.
Al Jazeera reported that the US and FIFA presidents were meeting on Friday, though the outlet did not detail the purpose or outcome of that meeting.
The smoke originates from wildfires in Canada, which have sent haze across the border toward the stadium hosting the final. The extent of any impact on the match remained under review at the time of reporting.
At this stage, the sources do not indicate whether the final would be delayed, moved or otherwise altered, with organisers continuing to keep watch over the air conditions surrounding the venue.
Why it matters
The World Cup final is one of the most-watched sporting events in the world, and air quality concerns could affect players, fans and the staging of the match.
Frequently asked questions
Which teams are playing in the World Cup final?
The final is between Spain and Argentina, according to Al Jazeera.
Where is the wildfire smoke coming from?
The smoke is drifting from wildfires in Canada, which has blanketed the New York New Jersey Stadium, according to Al Jazeera.
Are organisers taking action?
Al Jazeera reported that World Cup organisers are monitoring the situation closely, and that the US and FIFA presidents met on Friday.
Timeline
- Thunderstorms will clear wildfire smoke from Northeast ahead of World Cup final, meteorologists say
CNBC Top News: At MetLife Stadium, where the World Cup final is scheduled to take place, the sky was a thick, soupy gray even after a drenching thunderstorm.
- All to know about Canadian wildfire smoke, air quality and World Cup final
Al Jazeera: A thunderstorm rolled through the region causing disruption, and a haze raised air quality concerns in New York City.
- Spain's final training session before World Cup final cancelled
BBC Sport: Spain's final session before Sunday's World Cup final has been cancelled due to thunderstorms in New Jersey.
- Canadian wildfire smoke shrouds US, potential risk for World Cup final
Al Jazeera: Plumes of smoke from wildfires in Canada are pouring into major US cities.
- Will the Canadian wildfire smoke affect Spain vs Argentina World Cup final?
Al Jazeera: World Cup organisers are monitoring the situation 'closely', with US and FIFA presidents meeting on Friday.
- Wildfire smoke blankets World Cup final stadium before kickoff
Al Jazeera: Footage shows smoke from Canadian wildfires shrouding the New York New Jersey Stadium ahead of Sunday’s World Cup.