THE World Cup final is under a smoky cloud as the pollution outside MetLife Stadium has reached worrying levels for vulnerable fans.

The Air Quality Index is 144 with Argentina and Spain’s showdown less than 48 hours away.

The reading was taken by The U.S. Sun outside the open-air stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where roughly 80,000 supporters are expected for Sunday’s showpiece.

It placed conditions firmly in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category, which covers AQI levels between 101 and 150.

Fine particle pollution known as PM2.5 was the main threat, with a reading of 53.0 micrograms per cubic meter.

The tiny particles have swept into the New York-New Jersey area in smoke from hundreds of wildfires burning across Canada.

Trump also blamed Canada for the smoke threatening to overshadow the final, accusing the country of “willful negligence” over its forest management.

In a Truth Social post, he claimed the US was being “unnecessarily invaded by filthy, polluted, and unhealthy air” and said he would call Canada’s prime minister.

Trump warned the “incalculable” cost of the pollution should be added to tariffs already imposed on Canada.

Thick, acrid smoke had already blanketed New York on Friday.

Officials issued an early-morning warning urging residents to remain indoors, shut their windows and consider wearing masks outside.

An overnight air-quality reading reportedly reached 270, far above the “good” range of zero to 50 and classed as “very unhealthy” for everyone.

New York State’s environmental department said PM2.5 levels were “highly elevated” and warned that the situation had worsened since Thursday.

“Anyone may begin to experience health effects, which could become serious for vulnerable groups,” officials said.

Researchers have found that spending several hours outdoors in pollution at that level can expose someone to roughly the equivalent of smoking a cigarette, the department added.

Conditions improved slightly during Friday but were expected to deteriorate again toward nightfall.

A visible haze hung around the home of the New York Giants and Jets as preparations continued for the biggest game in soccer.

There has been no announcement that the 3pm ET kickoff on July 19 will be canceled, postponed or moved from MetLife.

Officials are continuing to track the pollution closely as forecasts remain dependent on changing winds, rain and the intensity of the fires.

The issue was also expected to feature in talks between US officials and FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the White House on Friday.

Any sharp deterioration could force organizers to consider delaying kickoff or pausing plans until conditions are judged safe.

But according to reports, the final was not currently considered to be under threat.

FIFA has not publicly commented on how the smoke could affect playing conditions, but organizers are hoping heavy rain will clear the air before kickoff.

Rain and possible thunderstorms are forecast during the 24 hours leading up to the final, potentially damping down smoke particles and improving conditions around MetLife.

Experts say the air could improve before the game, although shifting winds mean another plume may still move toward the stadium.

That uncertainty has sparked growing calls from worried fans for FIFA to relocate the match.

Some supporters suggested moving it to Mexico City’s iconic Azteca Stadium, although FIFA has not indicated that the venue will change.

Health officials say people with asthma, heart or lung conditions should limit strenuous activity when pollution reaches the level found outside MetLife.

Older adults, children and other at-risk fans are also advised to spend less time outdoors and watch for breathing problems.

Players could face their own problems if the smoke remains, with experts warning that polluted air may hamper breathing and cause athletes to tire more quickly.

Smoke has disrupted several other sporting events, with an MLS game postponed and a baseball start time changed as air quality worsened elsewhere.

The EPA classifies an AQI above 150 as unhealthy for the wider population, while readings above 200 are considered very unhealthy.

MetLife’s reading had not crossed those marks during The U.S. Sun’s visit, but remained close to the level where risks spread beyond vulnerable groups.

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