Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleHolly BishopFriday 17 July 2026 17:35 BSTTimelapse footage shows World Cup final stadium shrouded in wildfire smoke days before kick-offMetLife Stadium, which will host the World Cup 2026 final, is currently obscured by thick smoke originating from Canadian wildfires.A timelapse video shows the stadium in New York and New Jersey becoming barely visible due to the extensive smoky haze.Air quality health alerts have been issued by officials in New York and New Jersey, attributing the smoke to over 800 active wildfires north of the border.The 82,500-capacity venue lacks a roof, raising concerns that players and spectators for upcoming matches, including Spain vs Argentina on Sunday (19 July), may be exposed to the smoky conditions.The situation is expected to impact visibility and air quality unless the smoke dissipates in the next few days.In fullTimelapse video shows World Cup final stadium blanketed in smoke from Canada wildfiresMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in