SPAIN TRAINS OUTDOORS IN HAZARDOUS AIR AMID CANADIAN WILDFIRE SMOKE

Spain's national football team held an outdoor training session in northern New Jersey on Thursday despite hazardous air quality caused by smoke from Canadian wildfires in Ontario. The one-hour practice began at 11 a.m. Eastern Time, three days before Spain's World Cup final against Argentina on Sunday. Government officials and health experts had urged people in the northeastern and upper midwestern United States to remain indoors, whilst those who had to go outside were advised to wear N95 or KN95 masks. Reporters permitted to observe the first 15 minutes of the session could not determine the intensity of the training, according to the Associated Press.

Dr. Courtney Howard, an official at the Global Climate and Health Alliance, told the Associated Press that high-level athletes should not practise outdoors during hazardous air quality conditions caused by wildfire pollution. She noted that whilst N95 masks could be worn, ensuring proper fit for all athletes would be difficult. Dr. Howard recommended that Spain schedule indoor practice in an air-conditioned facility instead. The New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies played their game on Thursday at Citizens Bank Park, with the start time moved forward one hour to 6:10 p.m. Eastern Time due to air quality concerns and forecasts for worsening smoke later in the evening.

Argentina remained in the Atlanta area following its semifinal victory over England on Wednesday. The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is scheduled for Sunday. Spain's decision to train outdoors despite the hazardous conditions raised questions amongst observers about the team's preparation strategy for the match.