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Fact check finds fireworks smoke at World Cup final was white, not blue

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 22, 2026, 1:24 AM

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

Fact check finds fireworks smoke at World Cup final was white, not blue

Summary

A fact check by Lead Stories confirms that the fireworks during the FIFA World Cup final closing ceremony emitted white smoke, contrary to claims suggesting they were blue, which could indicate rigging concerns involving Argentina and Spain. Footage circulated online was determined to be altered, originally showing white smoke illuminated by the sun. The erroneous clip was derived from a live broadcast and misrepresented the events following the trophy presentation. The original broadcast footage remains available for verification.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Fireworks smoke during the ceremony was confirmed as white.
•Altered footage claimed to show blue smoke related to Argentina.
•The claims stem from an X account post on July 20, 2026.
•Verification from Deutsche Telekom's MagentaTV showed original colors.
•The event took place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Latest Updates

1:24 AMYahoo Sports — Fact Check: Fireworks Were NOT Blue After FIFA World Cup Final -- Real Footage With Altered Colors

What they're saying

"
Did the fireworks at the World Cup finals have blue smoke, suggesting that the game had been rigged for Argentina, but Spain upset those plans? No, that's not true: The fireworks smoke was white during the closing ceremony. The footage...
— Yahoo Sports

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FIFA World Cup Soccer