FIFA are relaxed about the Canadian wildfire smog in New York and New Jersey and what impact it may have on Sunday's World Cup final between Spain and Argentina16:21, 17 Jul 2026A thick, hazardous smog lingers above New York City. Regrettably, Canadian wildfires have cast an ashy cloud over Manhattan, disrupting the picturesque skyline, and that ugly haze is so strong, it has also seeped across the Hudson River to East Rutherford, New Jersey. Sadly, the Big Apple does not currently feel like the idyllic World Cup final setting FIFA had envisaged. In fact, here, it does not even feel like summer.‌As a cluster of buoyant Argentina supporters bounced into the forecourt of 42nd St & Port Authority Bus Terminal on Thursday, their excitement was somewhat subdued as they were handed complimentary high-filtration respiratory masks.‌FIFA are relaxed that the air quality, currently listed as "very unhealthy", will improve drastically by the time Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic blows his whistle.‌The smoke should disperse during Saturday's rain showers but the unavoidable ordeal only underlines that there were several other venues better suited to stage the greatest show on earth over the soulless MetLife Stadium.The 82,500-seater venue, home of the New York Giants and Jets, sports the look of a jazzed up multi-story carpark.It's difficult to get to and it lacks authenticity, the soul and history of Mexico City's Estadio Azteca, the unique glamour of Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Arena, the scale and the ground-breaking attention to detail of LA's SoFi plus the prestige of Dallas' AT&T Stadium.‌Fortunately for FIFA, football always comes out on top and Spain against Argentina will unquestionably trump all debate and geopolitics.These two star-studded sides were originally scheduled to meet in the Finalissima following their European Championship and Copa America titles, respectively.‌However, in March, UEFA confirmed the showpiece fixture in Qatar was cancelled due to escalating tensions and conflict in the Middle East.That's why this particular match-up feels like destiny and a fitting way to decide the best national side on the planet. The subplots are endless.Master Lionel Messi against apprentice Lamine Yamal. This could well be Messi's last international appearance and he is also chasing his first-ever World Cup Golden Boot (currently on eight goals).‌Argentina are also targeting more history as they seek to become the first country to retain the trophy on a different continent.They could also become the first team since 1962 to win it back-to-back following glory in Qatar in 2022.‌Spain boss Luis de la Fuente was actually Lionel Scaloni's mentor when the 48-year-old completed his UEFA Pro Coaching license course.Remarkably, this would be Scaloni's fifth international title and all 23 World Cup-winning bosses have been native to their respective nations.Whatever happens, that record will extend to 24 this weekend. Red-hot La Roja have now gone 37 matches without defeat and they have also conceded just once all tournament.Article continues belowIn a competition littered with big-name coaches such as Carlo Ancelotti, Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino and Julian Nagelsmann, it's quite incredible that the two coaches competing in the final have managed a grand, combined total of 11 professional matches at club level (with Alaves in 2011).Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.