Wildfire smoke threatens the World Cup final. FIFA still doesn’t have a plan.

Wildfire smoke drifting down from Canada has pushed air quality to hazardous levels across more than a dozen states this week, including New York, where the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain is set for Sunday. New York issued an air quality alert as levels climbed into the "unhealthy" and "very unhealthy" range, telling residents to avoid time outdoors. Near the stadium in New Jersey, air quality was still unhealthy as of Friday morning, though forecasts suggest it could improve to "moderate" by kickoff. Smoke exposure can cause a burning throat, coughing, and headaches, and poses more risk for children, older people, and those with asthma or other respiratory conditions.

FIFA, soccer's governing body, has no stated plan for handling wildfire smoke, unlike its detailed rules for extreme heat, such as mandatory water breaks. Other leagues have acted this week: the National Women's Soccer League added extra hydration breaks during a smoke-affected game in New York, Major League Baseball rescheduled a game in Philadelphia, and Major League Soccer canceled a match in Chicago. FIFA says it coordinates on "climate-related risks" with host cities and agencies, but has no public policy tied to specific air quality levels, and the open-air stadium hosting the final can't be sealed off if smoke returns.

This isn't about your home directly, but it's a reminder that wildfire smoke is increasingly reaching far beyond the regions actually burning, affecting daily life and outdoor plans well outside the West.