World Cup final set to go ahead despite smoke alerts
ESPN reports FIFA has no air-quality concern for Argentina vs. Spain at MetLife Stadium as forecasts improve around New York and New Jersey.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
2 min read
The World Cup final remains on track at MetLife Stadium despite air-quality warnings across New York and New Jersey, according to ESPN, which cited sources familiar with FIFA’s view of the situation.
Argentina and Spain are due to meet Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with the trophy on the line. ESPN reported that FIFA is not worried about the match being disrupted, with the weather outlook improving after smoke from Canadian wildfires affected parts of the northeastern United States.
Officials in New York and New Jersey have issued health alerts as wildfire smoke moves through the region. The New York Office of Emergency Management said Friday that air quality was “unhealthy for everyone.” A day earlier, the office described conditions as “very unhealthy.”
The National Weather Service office in New York said Friday on social media: “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.”
The smoke has already hit the sports calendar elsewhere. ESPN reported that Thursday night’s Major League Soccer match between the Vancouver Whitecaps and the Chicago Fire at Soldier Field was postponed because of poor air quality linked to wildfire smoke.
For the World Cup, weather has already caused delays during the tournament, though for different reasons. ESPN reported that England’s match against Mexico in Mexico City was pushed back by an hour because of severe weather. France’s game against Iraq was stopped for more than two hours.
Sunday’s final brings Argentina back to the biggest stage with a chance to win a second straight World Cup. Argentina won the previous final against France, according to ESPN. Spain are chasing their second title, having won the tournament in 2010.
Before the final, England and France are scheduled to meet Saturday in the third-place playoff in Miami after both sides lost in the semifinals.
The race for the Golden Boot is also still alive with two matches left. ESPN reported that France forward Kylian Mbappé and Argentina’s Lionel Messi are tied on eight goals. France’s Ousmane Dembélé and Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal have five each.
Goals in the third-place playoff count toward the Golden Boot total, meaning France’s players still have a chance to add to their numbers before Messi and Oyarzabal play in Sunday’s final.
ESPN said information from Mark Ogden contributed to its report.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.