The countdown has begun for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, with Spain set to face Argentina in one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament. While football fans from around the world are preparing for the title clash, concerns over deteriorating air quality have emerged across New York and New Jersey, where the final will be played.

Ahead of Sunday's final, France and England will compete in the third-place playoff at Hard Rock Stadium, Florida, before attention shifts to the championship match.

However, just days before the final, authorities issued an air quality alert for parts of New York and New Jersey after smoke from massive Canadian wildfires spread across the northeastern United States.

Smoke from hundreds of active wildfires in Canada has covered large parts of the country, stretching from the Midwest to the Northeast. Officials have advised residents and visitors to limit outdoor activities, remain indoors where possible and avoid prolonged exposure to the polluted air.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina is scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 19 (12:30 a.m. IST on July 20) at SoFi Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The air quality concerns intensified as Spain's squad arrived in New Jersey on Wednesday night, following its semi-final victory over France in Texas.

Despite the environmental challenges, preparations for the World Cup final continue, with thousands of supporters expected to travel to New Jersey to witness the clash between the European champions and the defending world champions.

Authorities are expected to continue monitoring air quality levels closely in the lead-up to the final while advising residents, visitors and fans to follow public health guidelines if conditions worsen.

The stage is set for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, with defending champions Argentina set to take on Spain on Sunday, July 19, in what promises to be one of the tournament's biggest encounters.

Argentina booked its place in the final after a thrilling 2-1 victory over England in the semi-final. Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez scored late to complete the comeback, while Lionel Messi played a key role by providing two assists. Spain, meanwhile, reached the summit clash after maintaining its impressive run throughout the tournament.

Ahead of the final, former England striker Robbie Fowler and Germany goalkeeping legend Oliver Kahn, speaking as ZEE5 experts, said Spain has been one of the standout teams at the World Cup. However, they also believe Argentina has the experience and quality to challenge the European champions if it can capitalise on the opportunities created.

With football fever building across the country, the Karnataka government has announced extended operating hours for hotels and restaurants in Bengaluru to allow fans to enjoy the late-night matches.

Following a representation from the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), the state government has permitted hotels and restaurants to remain open until 3:30 a.m. on July 14, July 15 and July 19, when key FIFA World Cup matches are scheduled to be played late at night in India due to time-zone differences.

Sharing the announcement, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the decision was taken to ensure football enthusiasts can enjoy the matches without inconvenience.

The relaxation has been granted under the provisions of the Karnataka Police Act, allowing hotels and restaurants to continue serving guests until 3:30 a.m. on the notified dates.

Following the government's decision, Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh issued the necessary orders permitting late-night screenings of FIFA World Cup matches and extending the operating hours of hotels and restaurants.

The move is expected to benefit Bengaluru's hospitality sector, with restaurants, cafés and hotels preparing to welcome football fans for the much-awaited Argentina vs Spain final on Sunday.

Azerai Ke Ga Bay has appointed Praveen Subramanian as its new Spa Manager, reinforcing the luxury resort's focus on wellness and holistic guest experiences. The appointment marks another step in enhancing the resort's acclaimed yoga and spa programme at its peaceful bayside property in southern Vietnam.

Bringing extensive experience in yoga and holistic health, Praveen will oversee a range of wellness sessions including traditional yoga, elemental yoga, signature breathwork, ocean breath meditation, and specialised programmes focused on anxiety and stress relief. He will also lead sessions centred on the art of massage, offering guests personalised wellness experiences.

Commenting on his new role, Praveen Subramanian said:

"Azerai Ke Ga Bay offers the perfect setting to reconnect with nature and oneself. We bring together healthy habits, mindful living, and inner balance to create true harmony. By tailoring personalized wellness experiences, we inspire sustainable wellbeing, vitality, and joyful living every day."

The resort's outdoor yoga sessions are among its key wellness experiences, allowing guests to practise amidst lush natural surroundings with views of the sea and refreshing coastal breezes.

Spread across 4.5 hectares of landscaped gardens, Azerai Ke Ga Bay is surrounded by scenic attractions, with Hon Ba Island and its historic lighthouse to the east and expansive sand dunes to the west. Conveniently located around 2.5 hours from Ho Chi Minh City via a new highway, the resort was awarded a MICHELIN Key in 2025 and was recently recognised among Vietnam's top upcountry hotels by Travel + Leisure this year.

The resort's spa offers a broad selection of treatments, including deep-tissue and relaxing massages, stone therapy, body scrubs, wraps, facials, and hand and foot rituals. Many of these therapies are inspired by traditional Vietnamese healing practices that have been passed down through generations.

Azerai's sister property, Azerai La Residence in Hue, also continues to expand its wellness offerings. The heritage art deco hotel overlooking the Perfume River recently introduced a new Wellness Package featuring daily breakfast, Vietnamese afternoon tea, a 60-minute daily spa treatment for two, a signature bath ritual and complimentary late check-out.

Earlier this year, Azerai La Residence was named among the "500 Best Hotels" by Travel + Leisure and was also recognised as one of Vietnam's best upcountry hotels in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia-Pacific 2026.

Both Azerai Ke Ga Bay and Azerai La Residence are part of the hospitality portfolio of legendary hotelier Adrian Zecha.