{"success":true,"data":{"id":"ba4649be-c5a7-42cc-851f-d3283ebf1aa9","title":"Smoky, stormy weather expected to clear in time for World Cup final","summary":"Open Soccer navigation Sports Smoky, stormy weather expected to clear in time for World Cup final Mother Nature may have delivered one final assist before the biggest match in soccer.","content":"Open Soccer navigation Sports\n\n# Smoky, stormy weather expected to clear in time for World Cup final\n\nMother Nature may have delivered one final assist before the biggest match in soccer.\n\nAfter days of wildfire smoke from Canada cast a gray haze over northern New Jersey, Saturday’s steady rain and rolling thunderstorms arrived with a purpose beyond just disrupting Spain’s and Argentina’s training sessions.\n\nThe steady downpour likely scrubbed a significant amount of smoke and fine particulate matter from the atmosphere, hopefully setting the stage for a favorable forecast during the [2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium](https://nypost.com/2026/07/18/sports/lionel-messi-lamine-yamal-colliding-in-argentina-spain-world-cup-final/).\n\n## Explore More\n\nEarlier in the week, Spain trained under skies so smoky that players admitted they could both see and smell the haze, with breathing noticeably more difficult.\n\nThe sun peaks through MetLife Stadium for a rare moment on July 18, 2026, the day before the World Cup Final between Argentina and Spain. FIFA via Getty Images\n\nArgentina arrived Friday with improved, though still slightly smoky conditions.\n\nBoth teams had their preparations interrupted Saturday by lightning and heavy rain.\n\nEvery match of the FIFA World Cup will air on either FOX or FOX Sports 1. If you don’t have cable, you can take advantage of a [DIRECTV free trial](https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/nypost_01638_nypost?p=https%3A%2F%2Fnypost.com%2F2026%2F07%2F19%2Fsports%2Fsmoky-stormy-weather-expected-to-clear-in-time-for-world-cup-final%2F&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tkqlhce.com%2Fclick-100223664-17176796%3Fsid%3Dworldcupreusable&author=Michael%20J.%20Duarte&articleID=40027183&event_type=click&publishdate=july%2019%2C%202026&linksource=web&primarytag=world-cup-2026&contentsubsection=world-cup-2026&contentsection=sports) to stream it all.\n\nPrefer to check out the action live and in person? Shop [World Cup 2026 tickets on SeatGeek](https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/nypost_01638_nypost?p=https%3A%2F%2Fnypost.com%2F2026%2F07%2F19%2Fsports%2Fsmoky-stormy-weather-expected-to-clear-in-time-for-world-cup-final%2F&q=https%3A%2F%2Fseatgeek.pxf.io%2Fc%2F2229206%2F1753574%2F20501%3FsubId1%3DNYPost-Content-Textlink-worldcupreusable%26u%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fseatgeek.com%2Ffifa-world-cup-tickets&author=Michael%20J.%20Duarte&articleID=40027183&event_type=click&publishdate=july%2019%2C%202026&linksource=web&primarytag=world-cup-2026&contentsubsection=world-cup-2026&contentsection=sports) and make sure to use promo code **NYPOST10** for $10 off purchases over $250 at checkout if you’re a first-time SeatGeek user.\n\nForecasters now expect sunshine, temperatures in the mid-80s and lower humidity by the 3 p.m. Eastern kickoff, with no significant weather delays anticipated.\n\nAir quality is also expected to improve, although officials continue to monitor lingering wildfire smoke that could drift back into the region depending on ever-changing wind patterns.\n\n### World Cup Merch shop\n\nBuilt for match days and everyday wear, this officially licensed USMNT tee brings classic national pride wherever you go.\n\n $29.95  $25.49 \n\n Amazon \n\nRep your favorite player in classic navy with this officially licensed tee made for diehard fans and big match energy.\n\n $34.99 \n\n Amazon \n\nStay warm while repping the red, white, and blue in this officially licensed USMNT pullover hoodie featuring bold front and back crest graphics.\n\n $54.99 \n\n Amazon \n\nCelebrate the global game in style with this FIFA World Cup 26 tee featuring all three host countries’ logos and flags.\n\n $28.00  $23.80 \n\n Amazon \n\nRip into the excitement of World Cup season with this 2026 Panini sticker box packed with 25 packs of collectible stickers for fans and traders.\n\n $50.00 \n\n Amazon \n\nBring World Cup vibes to every kickaround with the official adidas FIFA World Cup ’26 Soccer Ball built with host nation style and game-ready feel.\n\n $45.00 \n\n Amazon \n\nNew York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links.\n\nThis is favorable news for fans and players expected to run more than 7 miles over 90 relentless minutes in the final.\n\nWhat do you think?[Be the first to comment.](https://nypost.com/2026/07/19/sports/smoky-stormy-weather-expected-to-clear-in-time-for-world-cup-final/#nypost-openweb-conversation)\n\nCleaner air, cooler temperatures and less smoke mean easier breathing, faster recovery, and one fewer obstacle to worry about.\n\nFiled under\n\nSPONSORED STORIES","source_name":"New York Post","source_url":"https://nypost.com/2026/07/19/sports/smoky-stormy-weather-expected-to-clear-in-time-for-world-cup-final/","url":"https://nypost.com/2026/07/19/sports/smoky-stormy-weather-expected-to-clear-in-time-for-world-cup-final/","author":"Michael Duarte","author_name":"Michael Duarte","published_at":"2026-07-19T05:02:42.000Z","publication_date":"2026-07-19T05:02:42.000Z","image_url":"https://images.outbrainimg.com/transform/v3/eyJpdSI6ImIyMDIxNTllZGRkMzA3ZThjZmM5ODZjMDE4MWFkN2U5MTc4OGEyZDM3ZDU1YzJmNTJhZTdhNmM3NTBjNzk1YTUiLCJ3Ijo5MCwiaCI6NjAsImQiOjEuMCwiY3MiOjAsImYiOjR9.webp","category":"world","topic":"world","tags":[],"political_bias":null,"bias_score":null,"confidence_score":null,"credibility_score":null,"factual_quality":null,"reading_time":3,"word_count":525,"view_count":0,"breaking":false,"breaking_news":false,"ai_analysis":null,"fact_check_status":"unverified","archive_status":"hot","language":null}}