The FIFA World Cup final is all set to be played on Sunday, July 19, in New Jersey. However, the fixture faces some concerns due to wildfires burning primarily in Canada, as well as in northern Minnesota.
There is uncertainty over whether the Spain vs Argentina final will need to be moved or relocated because of the threats and dangers posed by the Canadian wildfires.
Will the World Cup final be moved?
However, according to reports, no decision has been made to change the final’s date at this stage.
A Bloomberg report stated: “FIFA has no plans to move the World Cup final on Sunday, even as smoke from Canadian wildfires degrades air quality in the New York area, according to people familiar with the matter.”
Smoke blankets parts of US
Thick wildfire smoke spread across parts of the United States on Thursday, stretching from the Great Lakes to the East Coast and causing visibility issues while prompting health warnings over outdoor air quality.
The conditions were severe enough for Major League Soccer to postpone the Vancouver Whitecaps’ game against Chicago Fire at Chicago’s Soldier Field.
However, FIFA is not currently expressing major concern over Sunday’s World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with the forecast expected to improve, according to ESPN.
FIFA closely monitors conditions
The New York Office of Emergency Management classified the air quality as “unhealthy for everyone” on Friday, an improvement from Thursday’s “very unhealthy” rating.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet FIFA President Gianni Infantino later on Friday.
White House officials, including Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force, have been in contact with FIFA while monitoring the wildfire situation.
Players notice smoke conditions
Smoke from wildfires contains fine particles that can harm the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. While children, older adults and people with existing heart or lung conditions face greater risks, prolonged exposure can also affect healthy athletes and spectators.
Spain has already felt the effects of the wildfire smoke during its preparations in New Jersey. Mikel Merino revealed that the players could both see and smell the smoke, while the team’s decision to hold an outdoor training session despite the poor air quality drew concern from health experts.
Argentina, on the other hand, has been preparing in Georgia, away from the worst conditions affecting the New York-New Jersey region.
Weather forecast brings hope
The weather forecast, however, provides some hope that conditions could improve before Sunday’s kickoff.
Rain and shifting weather patterns may help disperse the smoke, although changing winds could also push another wave into the region.
Moving final creates challenges
A change of venue would also present significant logistical difficulties, with security arrangements, ticketing, broadcasting, transportation and accommodation plans all centered on the current location.
Therefore, moving the World Cup final appears unlikely unless officials conclude that the air quality presents an unacceptable health risk.
