New York faces smoke, travel concerns ahead of World Cup final

By Karan Malhotra — 18 July 2026 — 3 min read

Air quality concerns in New York

The World Cup final in New York New Jersey Stadium, also known as MetLife Stadium, on Sunday is facing challenges due to thick smoke from Canadian wildfires. This smoke has affected New York and other parts of the eastern seaboard, leading to air quality alerts. On Thursday, the air quality advisory was elevated from “unhealthy” to “very unhealthy.”

Emergency management officials in New York City issued a citywide code red from Tuesday to Thursday, advising residents to remain indoors unless necessary and to avoid strenuous physical activity. The smoke was so dense that the Statue of Liberty was temporarily obscured from view, and numerous flights from Newark Airport in New Jersey were canceled.

Conditions began to improve on Friday, and FIFA officials expressed confidence that the situation would further improve by Sunday, especially with rain forecasted for Saturday. However, sports events have already been impacted. A National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) match in Queens on Wednesday between Gotham and Washington Spirit was played amidst an orange-brown haze, requiring two additional breaks during each half in line with the NWSL’s poor air policy.

New York City skyline silhouetted in haze from Canadian wildfire smoke with a faint sun visible — Smoke from wildfires in Canada has engulfed New York City before the World Cup final in nearby East Rutherford on Sunday.Photograph: Gary Hershorn/Getty Images Credit: theguardian.com

The New York City metro area experienced air quality that could be unhealthy for sensitive groups, an improvement from Thursday when smog made the Manhattan skyline barely visible. In western regions of New York, the air quality on July 16 was deemed “very unhealthy.”

FIFA confirmed on Friday that the negative air quality from the wildfires does not currently pose a threat to the World Cup final. Earlier in the day, tournament organizers stated they were closely monitoring the situation. Peter Mullinax, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service, indicated that while winds over the Great Lakes might push more smoke into the northeastern US, forecasts for that region anticipate some improvement.

Travel and logistical challenges

Beyond the weather, a significant issue for the final involves transportation to the stadium. MetLife Stadium is known among NFL fans for its limited public transport options and the difficulties of navigating the Lincoln Tunnel, which connects Manhattan to New Jersey.

Parking at the stadium on Sunday is restricted to guests and VIPs. The cost of bus and rail travel has been substantially increased for the tournament. An initial matchday return price of $150 for New Jersey Transit trains was reduced to $98 following a joint intervention and subsidy from the governments of New York and New Jersey, though this remains high for a short journey. Shuttle buses from Manhattan will be available for $20.

A view of the New York/New Jersey Stadium during the World Cup — Every World Cup game at the New York New Jersey Stadium has been sold out.Photograph: Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/Getty Images Credit: theguardian.com

All seven previous games at MetLife Stadium have been sold out, demonstrating the city’s enthusiasm for the World Cup. Restaurant and bar bookings for viewing England‘s semi-final match against Argentina were also difficult to secure.

Presidential presence and FIFA’s preparations

Donald Trump is expected to attend the final, with his helicopter, Marine One, scheduled to fly over the stadium before landing at nearby Teterboro Airport. FIFA has confirmed that Trump will present the trophy alongside Gianni Infantino, aiming to manage his presence after a previous incident at last year’s Club World Cup celebrations.

A precedent for this type of presentation was set four years ago when the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, placed a traditional Arab cloak on Lionel Messi before the Argentina captain received the trophy from Infantino. FIFA held discussions with Trump at Trump Tower on Friday afternoon, a meeting that caused road closures and traffic disruption on Fifth Avenue.

Approximately 80,000 fans are anticipated to attend the final in the open-air stadium. The Dallas and Los Angeles stadiums, which were not chosen for the final in February 2024, are considered more impressive venues without the same climatic risks as New York.