Canadian wildfire smoke, transport difficulties, and the anticipated appearance of Donald Trump are casting a shadow over the World Cup final in New York, a city that has fully embraced the month-long tournament. The final is set for Sunday at the New York New Jersey Stadium, commonly known as MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Wildfire Smoke Disrupts Air Quality
Thick smoke from wildfires in Canada has blanketed New York City and much of the eastern seaboard in recent days, prompting an air quality advisory to be upgraded from “unhealthy” to “very unhealthy” late Thursday. New York City’s emergency management officials issued a citywide code red from Tuesday to Thursday, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise—hardly ideal conditions for the world’s biggest sporting event, which is expected to draw a global television audience of 1.6 billion.
The smoke was so dense that the Statue of Liberty was temporarily hidden from view across the Hudson River, and numerous flights from Newark airport were canceled. Conditions began improving on Friday, and FIFA officials expressed confidence that the situation would clear by Sunday, with rain forecast for Saturday expected to help disperse the smoke. However, the poor air quality has already affected other sports: a National Women’s Soccer League match between Gotham and Washington Spirit in Queens on Wednesday was played under an orange-brown haze, with players required to take two additional breaks per half under the league’s poor air policy.
Weather and Logistical Hurdles
Initial concerns about staging the final at MetLife Stadium centered on extreme summer heat. Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández described playing conditions as “very dangerous” during last year’s Club World Cup semi-final. Now, the smoke adds an unexpected challenge. FIFA’s introduction of hydration breaks at the World Cup has already caused controversy; additional stoppages due to poor air quality could spark further outrage.
Despite these issues, New York has embraced the tournament. All seven previous games at MetLife have sold out, and restaurant and bar bookings for England’s semi-final defeat to Argentina were scarce. Yet getting to the stadium remains a major hurdle. The venue is notoriously inaccessible, with limited public transport and the notorious Lincoln Tunnel linking Manhattan to New Jersey. Parking on Sunday is reserved for guests and VIPs only. Bus and rail fares have been significantly increased for the tournament; a joint subsidy from New York and New Jersey governments reduced the initial matchday return price on New Jersey Transit from $150 to $98, still steep for a 20-minute journey. Shuttle buses from Manhattan are available for $20.
Trump’s Involvement Raises Concerns
Donald Trump is expected to make a showy entrance via Marine One, landing at nearby Teterboro airport. FIFA, while not saying so publicly, is concerned about managing the president. After Trump appeared to gatecrash Chelsea’s Club World Cup celebrations last year, leaving captain Reece James bemused, FIFA has sought to get ahead by confirming that Trump will present the trophy alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino. A precedent was set four years ago when Qatar’s emir placed a cloak on Lionel Messi before he received the trophy. With Trump, there is no knowing what he may do. FIFA held talks with the president at Trump Tower on Friday, a meeting that required road closures on Fifth Avenue, causing chaos. FIFA will hope this is not a portent of Sunday’s events.
