Spain and Argentina are set to play out the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday evening, despite concerns over 'dangerous' weather rolling in from Canada

The World Cup final will proceed as planned at 8pm on Sunday evening at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. That's despite growing concerns over potentially 'dangerous' environmental conditions.

Luis de la Fuente's Spain are set to play against Lionel Scaloni's Argentina in what should be an instant classic. However, smoke billowing from Canadian wildfires had brought speculation on whether or not the match would ultimately go ahead in New Jersey, or be moved elsewhere.

Air quality was recorded as 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' this week - with NJ.gov identifying those groups as individuals suffering from asthma, lung disease or heart disease, along with older adults, children and infants.

A health expert has also issued a stark warning that conditions could prove 'dangerous' for certain fans. In an interview with the Daily Mail, pulmonologist Dr Vin Gupta said: "It not only is going to be terrible, terrible air quality. It's hot, and that can cause an extreme amount of stress on the heart [for players].

"That is a very powerful and dangerous one-two punch to the human body. It's going to be critical to maintain core body temperatures as low as possible."

Despite such concerns, FIFA have no intention of altering either the timing or the venue of the World Cup final. Bloomberg has reported that a White House official confirmed that no major formal meetings are scheduled regarding the matter.

However, informal talks regarding the decision have taken place between FIFA and Andrew Guiliani, who leads the White House's World Cup task force. A National Weather Service spokesperson, meanwhile, confirmed that personnel have been continuously deployed at the FIFA command centre in Miami and will keep monitoring conditions throughout the weekend.

A National Weather Service spokesperson, meanwhile, confirmed that personnel have been continuously deployed at the FIFA command centre in Miami and will keep monitoring conditions throughout the weekend.

It comes as Spain and Argentina stand prepared to clash at the MetLife Stadium, whatever the weather brings. Luis de la Fuente's side booked their place in Sunday's final with a commanding 2-0 victory over France, Mikel Oyarzabal slotting home from the penalty spot in the opening half before Pedro Porro sealed the result in the second.

Argentina, meanwhile, pulled off a stunning 2-1 triumph over England on Wednesday evening, the Three Lions crashing out of the tournament in brutal fashion. Anthony Gordon put his country ahead 55 minutes into the contest, only for Enzo Fernandez to level things up for Argentina with five minutes remaining.

Lautaro Martinez clinched victory for Argentina with a header at the back post two minutes into stoppage time, with Thomas Tuchel facing harsh criticism for his cautious approach after taking the lead.

Despite their semi-final exit from the competition, England's campaign in North America isn't quite over.

They will now take on France in a third-place play-off encounter at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, at 10pm on Saturday evening.

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