Canadian Wildfire Smoke Blankets US Cities Days Before World Cup Final

SBS News—Wildfires burning in Canada sent heavy smoke southward, blanketing New York, Chicago, and Detroit with hazy orange skies in the days before the FIFA World Cup final hosted in New York. Forecasters predicted that rain would likely dissipate much of the smoke before the match, though conditions remained unpredictable. Orange skies over World Cup venues created striking visuals that spread widely online. Authorities in affected US cities urged sensitive groups to limit outdoor exposure but did not issue mandatory health advisories.

• SBS News — In pictures: Orange skies and wildfire smoke loom over the World Cup final
• MercoPress — Canada wildfire smoke blankets New York, Chicago and Detroit days before World Cup final
• Reuters — Rain was forecast to clear the smoke before the final but meteorologists flagged uncertainty over the timing