Spain held at least the first 15 minutes of Thursday’s scheduled hourlong practice outdoors in East Hanover, New Jersey, even as Canadian wildfire smoke pushed air quality into unhealthy to hazardous ranges.
New Jersey particle pollution ran more than seven times the World Health Organization standard, and doctors said intense exercise in that smoke can harm even healthy athletes because they inhale far more pollutants.
Air conditions improved through the day from “unhealthy” to “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” while Argentina trained in the Atlanta area, far enough south to avoid the smoke.
Forecasters expect the haze to clear well before Sunday’s World Cup final in East Rutherford, with air quality projected to improve to “moderate.”
Was exposing players to toxic air before the World Cup final a calculated risk or a reckless gamble on their health?
Why did Spain's team train in hazardous smoke while FIFA, accused of greenwashing, stayed silent?
2026 World Cup Final Faces Unhealthy Air: Spain’s Training Highlights Climate and Health Crisis in New Jersey
Overview
Spain held a crucial training session in East Hanover, New Jersey, as part of their final World Cup preparations against Argentina, but faced unhealthy air quality caused by smoke. This hazardous environment led to public health advisories recommending N95 or P100 respirators for outdoor activities. Despite these warnings, Spain’s team, including star player Lamine Yamal, trained outdoors without visible protective measures or clear adjustments to their routine. The situation raised significant health concerns, especially since physical exertion increases exposure to polluted air, highlighting the risks athletes face when preparing for major events under challenging environmental conditions.