Smoke, travel and Trump threaten New York’s grand World Cup finale

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is set to take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday, but the event faces several potential disruptions including wildfire smoke blanketing New York and the eastern seaboard, transport challenges, and the expected presence of President Trump. FIFA awarded New York the final in February 2024 over rival bids from Dallas and Los Angeles, citing the city's global appeal and favorable timezone for European TV audiences. The other cities, whose stadiums were considered more impressive venues, are watching the situation unfold with some amusement.