Wildfire smoke from Canada has drifted over New York City, prompting concerns about whether the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina on Sunday will be delayed. The match is scheduled for 3pm local time at MetLife Stadium on the outskirts of New York.
The smoke, which has created an eerie orange haze over the city, led local officials to issue a public health warning. Residents have been advised to stay indoors and avoid vigorous physical activity. National Guard members have been distributing masks to help residents cope with the poor air quality.
Air Quality Concerns
According to the New York Post, one expert warned that spending a day outdoors in the current conditions could be equivalent to smoking ten cigarettes, due to fine particles in the smoke that can enter the bloodstream. FIFA President Gianni Infantino is reportedly set to hold crisis talks with White House officials to assess the danger level.
There is precedent for wildfire smoke causing football match postponements. An MLS match between Chicago Fire and Vancouver Whitecaps was called off earlier this week, as was an NWSL match in New York on Wednesday.
Weather Forecast for the Final
As of now, much of the lingering smoke is expected to clear by Sunday. Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House World Cup task force, said in a statement: “Testing will be administered if it is necessary. We’ve had the National Weather Service sitting with FIFA from the very beginning of this tournament. I think the good news right now, knock on wood, is it looks like this weather is going to clear by Sunday, and so hopefully it’s a non-issue at this point. We’re going to talk about it more this afternoon into the evening and keep monitoring it and see. Ultimately, we want to make sure that it’s safe and healthy for not just the players, but obviously the fans that are going to be out there as well.”
Rain is forecast for Saturday and Sunday, which should help clear the smoke. Showers will continue through Saturday evening, becoming more isolated on Sunday. The day of the final is expected to be sunny and hot, with temperatures reaching 28°C and cloudless skies at kick-off.
Contingency Plans
If air quality is deemed poor enough, a second hydration break could be added during the match. Standard severe weather policies will apply in the event of thunder and lightning. US policy for outdoor sporting events dictates that a match must be delayed or suspended if lightning is detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium. Players, coaches, and officials must return inside, and fans are told to evacuate the stands and seek shelter. The area must be clear of lightning for a full 30 minutes before play can safely resume.
