Haze from Canadian wildfires blankets the Manhattan skyline as seen from a Brooklyn pier on July 15, 2026 in New York City. New York City is under an Air Quality Health Advisory as the Canadian and Great Lakes wildfire smoke gradually moves through the area, creating a thick haze in the heat. — Spencer Platt/Getty Images pic via AFP First Published: Thursday, 16 Jul 2026 1:38 PM MYT ATLANTA, July 16 — The New York government issued a warning on Wednesday of “unhealthy air conditions” across the state ahead of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina on Sunday, reported German Press Agency (dpa).The game will take place in East Rutherford, located just outside New York City.The conditions are caused by smoke from Canadian wildfires and high temperatures in the region.A statement from the government asks citizens to “avoid spending time outdoors if possible,” while “sensitive groups should take particular caution.”It added that the government is making available over 100,000 protective masks to counties in need to address air quality impacts.“With smoke from Canadian wildfires again impacting air quality throughout our state, we’re urging New Yorkers to be aware of the air quality and stay safe this week,” Governor Kathy Hochul said.It’s unclear whether the situation can have any impact on the World Cup final.Authorities have also issued a “code red” warning due to a heatwave, and temperatures could rise to as high as 40°Celsius. — Bernama-dpa