White House and FIFA weigh wildfire smoke risks before World Cup final
Gianni Infantino is set to meet White House officials as Canadian wildfire haze hangs over the New York area before Sunday’s final.
By Bianca Rossi · Entertainment Editor
2 min read
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is expected to meet with White House officials Friday to discuss whether Canadian wildfire smoke could pose health risks at Sunday’s World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, according to Sky Sports.
The match, set for 3 p.m. ET in East Rutherford, will pit Spain against defending champion Argentina. The stadium sits about 11 miles from New York City, where haze from the fires has been hanging over the region this week.
The White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump will attend the final. Deadline reported that Trump is expected to present the winner’s trophy and also attend a FIFA reception Friday at Trump Tower in Manhattan.
Smoke still hanging around
Air conditions in the New York City area had improved slightly Friday, with AccuWeather placing the city’s air quality in the “Poor” category. The outlook could worsen later Friday, with conditions potentially returning to the “Unhealthy” range.
The National Weather Service said smoke remained in the area Friday at a lower intensity than the previous day, adding that it “may thicken again in the overnight into Saturday morning.”
Rain and cooler temperatures forecast for Saturday afternoon and evening in the New York area are expected to help push out some of the smoke. For Sunday in East Rutherford, the forecast calls for clear skies and temperatures around 80 degrees.
Players, fans and the final
The planned White House-FIFA discussion is expected to focus on possible health concerns for players and spectators, Deadline reported. Officials have indicated the chance of canceling the final remains extremely remote.
According to the same reporting, air quality would likely have to reach the “Hazardous” category before cancellation became a serious option. Weather experts do not expect that level to be reached.
The smoky conditions across parts of the Northeast and Midwest this week have been linked to wildfires in Canada near the Minnesota border.
How to watch
Sunday’s final is scheduled to air in English on Fox and in Spanish on Telemundo.
Streaming options include Fox One for English-language coverage and Peacock for Spanish-language coverage. The match will also be available through subscription services including YouTube TV, Fubo and Hulu.
This story draws on original reporting from Deadline.