New York issues health alert urging residents to 'limit outdoor activity' just days before World Cup final

New York has issued a health alert urging residents to "limit outdoor activity" just days before the World Cup final.

Haze from wildfires in Canada is choking the city, with officials urging people to "consider preventative measures to protect themselves".

The New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is set to host the final on Sunday night at 8pm between Spain and Argentina.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene issued a statement regarding the wildfires.

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It read: "Wildfires in Canada may impact New York City air quality starting today. Air quality indices are forecasted to reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (orange) levels but could spike up to Unhealthy for All (red). Air quality levels may fluctuate.

"All New Yorkers should limit strenuous and prolonged (more than one hour) outdoor activities. Sensitive individuals should avoid unnecessary outdoor activities.

"Everyone should monitor the news and sign up for Notify NYC messages for updates, as conditions are changing."

Some footballers have already been affected by the smoke-filled skies and scorching hot temperatures.

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The National Women's Soccer League match between Gotham FC and Washington Spirit on Wednesday night went ahead, despite an orange haze in the sky.

Washington Spirit's Trinity Rodman felt the game should not have gone ahead, saying: "Not to make excuses at all, but I think on both sides we were all like, 'another break, another break, another break'."

The New York New Jersey Stadium is an open-air venue, which holds more than 80,000 fans.

At this current stage, there is no suggestion the final will be postponed or cancelled.

This year's final will see the first-ever half-time show, which could last up to 30 minutes as FIFA prepares to break the International Football Association Board's (IFAB) rules.

The production is meant to be 11 minutes in a Super Bowl-style performance, which will be co-headlined by Madonna, Shakira and BTS.

Sources within World Cup organisers suggested the break would be around 20 minutes, with the BBC and ITV anticipating half an hour's worth of song and dance.

The move will breach Ifab's rules that state players' half-time must "not exceed 15 minutes".

Justin Bieber was also announced last week as a co-headliner of the show.

FIFA said the performance will showcase "football, music and social impact coming together in the first-ever World Cup final half-time show".

The governing body said the performance will support its Global Citizen Education Fund, aiming to raise $100million (£74.5million).

The initiative aims "to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide".

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: "When it comes to what the world needs, there is nothing more important than education.

"We are proud to have Justin Bieber joining Madonna, Shakira and BTS to co-headline the FIFA World Cup 2026 final half-time show in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and our mission to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children around the world.

"As the world unites for the most significant football match in history on Sunday, July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium, this groundbreaking spectacle, curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay, will celebrate football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle."

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