US: Football legends expect fascinating game at World Cup finals.

Former World Cup winners anticipate a compelling matchup in the 2026 tournament final, despite the potential impacts of Canadian wildfires on air quality during the game. Heavy smoke from the blazes has raised air quality concerns ahead of Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey. The pollution has also prompted U.S. President Donald Trump to threaten additional tariffs on Canadian goods. Amid concerns that the pollution may spark health emergencies, several legendary former players gathered in New York’s Central Park on Thursday to promote cardiopulmonary resuscitation training as part of a FIFA legacy initiative. However, the conversation inevitably turned to Sunday’s final between Spain and defending champion Argentina. Two-time World Cup winner Cafu expressed high expectations for the matchup. A key part of Spain's success has been in defense, having conceded just one goal in the whole tournament. That could make all the difference, according to Lukas Podolski, a World Cup winner with Germany in 2014. The former players said that when two great teams meet in the final, the outcome is less important; all that matters is a fantastic match. Sunday's final will mark the conclusion of the biggest ever edition of the FIFA World Cup, with a record 48 teams having participated and games being played across three host nations for the first time in matches held in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Shotlist: New York City, New York, USA - July 16, 2026: 1. Various of former football stars posing for photo; 2. Various of football players, children participating in CPR training course; football activities; 3. SOUNDBITE (Portuguese) Cafu, 1994 and 2002 World Cup winner: "The final is between two giant teams, two world champions, Argentina fighting for the back-to-back championship and Spain seeking their second title. It will be a tough game, but very beautiful to watch."; 4. Various of event, training course in progress; 5. SOUNDBITE (English) Lukas Podolski, 2014 World Cup winner (starting with shot 4/partially overlaid with shot 6/ending with shot 7): "They know how to play, they have amazing defense skills, you maybe not expect from a Spanish team, because you know they are good with the ball, but at this time, especially at that World Cup, you see how they defend. Spain, you see, there is like a team. They know how to behave together as a team in the offense, and especially in defense." [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]; 6. Various of Podolski signing on shirts; posing for photos [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]; 7. Various of activity; training in progress; 8. SOUNDBITE (English) Lukas Podolski, 2014 World Cup winner (starting with shot 7): "There's no favorites when both big teams, big countries reach the final. So these are the countries that I expect before the World Cup to be somewhere near the final. So now it’s happened, and let's see, let's enjoy, and let the better team win the final."; 9. Activity; training in progress. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]