Lead

Hazardous air quality from Canadian wildfires has complicated final preparations for the World Cup, with Spain's team practising outdoors in conditions experts described as risky for athletes. Mikel Merino, a Spanish midfielder, said the smoke was visible and that the team was "careful with every detail" as they managed the situation, according to ABC Australia.

The World Health Organization forecast for New Jersey calls for an improvement to "moderate" air quality, but uncertainty remains about the impact of expected rain and possible further smoke, as reported by ABC Australia.

Preparations amid smoke

Spain held a training session Thursday in East Hanover, New Jersey, where air quality was deemed hazardous. Experts expressed alarm that the team practised outdoors under these conditions. Dr Courtney Howard, an emergency physician and official with the Global Climate and Health Alliance, said: "These are high-level athletes who are moving a lot of air through their lungs during every practice and every game, and they really shouldn't be practising outside if air quality is in hazardous ranges for wildfire-related pollution." She recommended moving training indoors to a clean-air facility.

Attempts to reach FIFA and the Spanish Football Association for comment were not immediately successful, according to ABC Australia.

Meanwhile, Argentina, which will face Spain in the final, remained in the Atlanta area, having arrived less than 24 hours after their semi-final win over England. The team's location in Marietta, Georgia, is far enough south to avoid the worst of the smoke, which has drifted from fires in Canada across the US Midwest and Northeast.

Air quality and health concerns

The smoke has triggered warnings across the region, with officials urging residents to stay indoors or wear masks outdoors. Air quality reached levels described as unhealthy to hazardous, meaning it posed a risk to everyone, not just sensitive groups.

Dr. Howard, speaking to ABC Australia, stressed that athletes are particularly vulnerable: "That's the time to schedule a practice indoors. You could put an N95 mask on them, but making sure everyone's mask is well-fitted—I don't think that's the best choice. I'd find an air-conditioned indoor facility that's a clean-air shelter."

Forecast uncertainty

By Friday, conditions had improved, but forecasters remained cautious. Up to three centimetres of rain were expected Saturday, which could help clear the air. However, the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service's senior scientist, Mark Parrington, noted that if fire intensity picks up again, more smoke could quickly follow. Meteorologist Jonathan Belles of The Weather Channel said the key question is whether smoke behind the rain system reaches ground level over northern New Jersey by Sunday.

Political dimension

President Donald Trump has threatened Canada with tariffs in connection with the wildfire smoke, according to ABC Australia. The report did not specify the nature of the tariffs or the reasoning behind them.

Key Claims

  • Spain's players trained outdoors in hazardous air quality in East Hanover, New Jersey, as reported by ABC Australia.
  • Mikel Merino said he could smell and see the smoke but was focusing on the match.
  • The World Health Organization forecasts an improvement to "moderate" air quality in New Jersey.
  • Air quality improved Friday, but rain and possible smoke resurgence could affect conditions.
  • Smoke from wildfires contains over 1,000 toxins and can harm nearly every system in the body, according to experts cited by ABC Australia.
  • Dr. Courtney Howard, an emergency physician, said athletes should not practise outdoors in hazardous air.
  • Argentina stayed in the Atlanta area after their semi-final win, avoiding the worst smoke.
  • President Trump threatened Canada with tariffs over the wildfire smoke.