Canadian wildfire smoke blankets New York before Cup final

A thick blanket of smoke from Canadian wildfires has descended upon the northeastern United States, casting an orange haze over New York and New Jersey just days before the region is set to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. The match between Argentina and Spain is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, at the open-air MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where more than 80,000 spectators are expected.

Hundreds of wildfires, many out of control, are burning across Canada, with smoke carried southeast by air currents. The resulting plume has significantly degraded air quality across a wide region, from the Great Lakes through New England. Officials in both countries have issued health warnings, urging residents, especially those with respiratory or heart conditions, to limit outdoor activity and stay indoors when possible. New York City authorities began distributing KN95 masks at public facilities like libraries and police stations.

The timing presents a unique challenge for the global sporting event. The stadium has no roof, meaning players and fans will be directly exposed to ambient air conditions. The smoke has already disrupted team preparations; the Spanish squad,...