FIFA has confirmed that Sunday's World Cup final between Spain and Argentina will go ahead as planned at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, despite concerns over potentially dangerous air quality caused by smoke drifting from Canadian wildfires.
Air Quality Concerns
The region's air quality was classified as 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' earlier this week, according to NJ.gov. Those at risk include individuals with asthma, lung disease, or heart disease, as well as older adults, children, and infants. Pulmonologist Dr Vin Gupta warned the Daily Mail that the combination of poor air quality and heat could be a 'dangerous one-two punch to the human body,' stressing the importance of maintaining low core body temperatures for players.
FIFA's Decision
Despite these warnings, FIFA has no intention of changing the kick-off time or venue. A White House official told Bloomberg that no major formal meetings are scheduled regarding the issue. However, informal discussions have taken place between FIFA and Andrew Guiliani, head of the White House's World Cup task force. The National Weather Service has deployed personnel at FIFA's command centre in Miami to monitor conditions throughout the weekend.
Semi-Final Results
Spain secured their place in the final with a 2-0 victory over France, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring from a penalty and Pedro Porro adding a second. Argentina defeated England 2-1 in a dramatic semi-final, with Enzo Fernandes equalising in the 85th minute and Lautaro Martinez scoring a stoppage-time winner after Anthony Gordon had given England the lead.
Third-Place Play-Off
England will face France in the third-place play-off at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Saturday evening at 10pm BST.
