FIFA President Gianni Infantino and White House officials have been in communication regarding the air quality in the New Jersey area ahead of Sunday's World Cup final, sources confirmed to Fox News Digital. The discussions are ongoing as the region grapples with smoke from wildfires raging in Canada.
These conversations have been described as informal, with officials continuing to monitor the wildfire situation. As of Friday, no contingency plans were in place to alter the game due to the air quality. Sky Sports initially reported on the potential meeting between Infantino and White House officials to address the wildfire smoke's potential dangers.
President Donald Trump is expected to attend the match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. This event comes amidst broader air quality concerns that have already affected other professional sports. An Major League Soccer (MLS) game in Chicago was postponed on Thursday, and a Major League Baseball (MLB) game in Philadelphia was rescheduled to an earlier start time on the same day. Additionally, the Toronto Blue Jays announced their retractable roof at Rogers Centre would be closed due to air quality issues.
Argentina is set to compete in the final against Spain, with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m. Argentina aims to become the first team to win consecutive World Cup titles since Brazil in the 1950s. In 2023, the New York Yankees postponed a game due to poor air quality, with the Air Quality Index at that time nearly double the levels experienced in the New York area this week.
