FIFA has moved to allay fears that Sunday's World Cup final between Spain and Argentina could be affected by severe air pollution caused by wildfires in Canada. The match is scheduled to take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, as scheduled, according to ESPN.
Air quality alerts across New York and New Jersey
Health alerts were issued by officials in New York and New Jersey after smoke from wildfires in Canada drifted across large parts of the northeastern United States. The smoke has already disrupted domestic sporting events in the region. The Major League Soccer game between Chicago Fire and Vancouver Whitecaps at Soldier Field in Chicago was postponed on Thursday night due to poor air quality.
However, 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 in each half, with Spirit player Trinity Rodman acknowledging the smoke's impact. 'Air quality was rough,' Rodman said after the game. 'Not to make excuses at all, but I think on both sides we were all like, “another break, another break, another break.”'
Forecast offers hope for improved conditions
It is hoped conditions will improve leading into Sunday, with rain forecast for Saturday that should 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.'
The New York Office of Emergency Management posted Friday that the air quality was 'unhealthy for everyone,' while pollution expert Michael Petroni told the New York Post the situation was like 'smoking 10 cigarettes.'
Spain and Argentina prepare for final
Spain travelled to New Jersey immediately following their semi-final win over France on Tuesday and trained outdoors on Thursday. Argentina, who beat England in a dramatic semi-final, will face Spain in the final. FIFA has not commented further but confirmed the game is not under threat.
