Air quality alert issued in New York area ahead of World Cup final
New York and New Jersey authorities have warned of hazardous air conditions from Canadian wildfire smoke days before the World Cup final, urging residents to limit outdoor activity.
Officials in New York and New Jersey have issued an air-quality health alert after smoke from Canadian wildfires spread across the region. The alert advises residents to reduce outdoor exertion and stay indoors where possible. The New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is set to host the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina on Sunday, 19 July.
The haze intensified on Wednesday night, a day after Spain’s semi-final win in Texas, but the Spanish team trained outdoors on Thursday and did not comment on the conditions. Argentina, which won its semi-final in Georgia, is scheduled to begin training in New Jersey on Friday.
Local contractor Dan Edgar said his daughter, who is rehearsing for the final’s opening performance, told him the air felt “heavy” and it was difficult to dance.
The smoke and high temperatures have already affected other matches. The National Women’s Soccer League proceeded with a game at Citi Field in Queens, requiring players to take two breaks per half under league policy. Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman said the air quality was “rough” and suggested the match should not have been played.
The open-air stadium is not expected to be impacted, and forecasts predict the air quality will improve on Friday, with rain on Saturday expected to further disperse the smoke. A Major League Soccer match in Chicago was postponed earlier in the week because of similar conditions.