FIFA has confirmed that Sunday's World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey is not under threat despite severe air pollution warnings from wildfires in Canada. Smoke from the fires has blanketed large parts of the northeastern United States, prompting health alerts in New York and New Jersey.
Health alerts issued across the region
Officials in New York and New Jersey issued health alerts after smoke clouds drifted south from wildfires burning across the border in Canada. The poor air quality has already disrupted sporting events in the region, including the postponement of a Major League Soccer game between Chicago Fire and Vancouver Whitecaps at Soldier Field in Chicago on Thursday night.
The National Women's Soccer League match between Gotham FC and Washington Spirit went ahead in Queens, New York, despite the concerns. The game included two hydration breaks per half, with Spirit forward Trinity Rodman acknowledging the smoke's impact. "Air quality was rough," Rodman said. "Not to make excuses at all, but I think on both sides we were all like, 'another break, another break, another break.'"
FIFA's stance on the final
According to ESPN, FIFA has no fears over Sunday's final in East Rutherford, and the game is not at risk. Metro has contacted FIFA for comment. The governing body's confidence comes as forecasts predict rain on Saturday, which is expected to help disperse the smoke.
The National Weather Service in New York posted on social media Friday: "Smoke still lingers today, especially towards the south, but it should be less intense than yesterday in our region. The smoke may thicken again in the overnight into Saturday morning."
Air quality concerns remain
On Friday, the New York Office of Emergency Management stated that the air quality was "unhealthy for everyone." Pollution expert Michael Petroni told the New York Post that the situation was akin to "smoking 10 cigarettes." Despite these warnings, Spain, who arrived in New Jersey immediately after their semi-final win over France on Tuesday, trained outdoors on Thursday without incident.
Argentina, who beat England in a dramatic semi-final, will face Spain at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. With rain forecast and FIFA's assurance, the final is expected to proceed as scheduled.
