In brief
A timelapse video shows MetLife Stadium shrouded in a thick blanket of smoke, making the 2026 World Cup final almost invisible from the stands. Over 800 wildfires blaze across Canada, sending smoke that has already drifted into several U.S. states, prompting air‑quality alerts. In western New York and New York City the air quality was labeled 'very unhealthy' and 'unhealthy', respectively, while the haze obscured views of MetLife Stadium, the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. Residents were seen covering their mouths and noses with masks, hoping to protect themselves against the harmful particulate matter.
A timelapse video shows MetLife Stadium shrouded in a thick blanket of smoke, making the 2026 World Cup final almost invisible from the stands.
More than 800 wildfires blaze across Canada, sending smoke that has already drifted into several U.S. states, prompting air‑quality alerts.
In western New York the air quality was assessed as "very unhealthy" on 16 July, while the New York City metropolitan area was an "unhealthy" zone and the haze obscured close‑up views of MetLife Stadium, the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty.
Residents were seen with masks covering mouths and noses, hoping to protect themselves against the unhealthy particulate matter.
Read more about the wildfires affecting Canada and the US here.
