“We hold Canada accountable.”The comments by U.S. President Donald Trump brought politics into the build-up to Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final, blaming Canada for wildfire smoke that blanketed parts of the northeastern United States and created new uncertainty about conditions for football’s biggest tournament.Trump posted on the social media platform that the United States is “unnecessarily being invaded by dirty, polluted and unhealthy air, the quality of which is dangerous and completely unacceptable!” He also threatened to impose new tariffs on Canada as smoke from massive wildfires across Canada drifts south.The comments come as organizers, teams and meteorologists continue to closely monitor air quality ahead of the Argentina-Spain final at the New York-New Jersey Arena in East Rutherford, where nearly 80,000 fans are expected.While air quality is currently forecast to be “moderate” ahead of kick-off, experts warn there is still uncertainty over whether another wave of smoke is expected to follow Saturday’s heavy rain.
Smoke forecast casts cloud over World Cup final
Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino acknowledged the smoke was impossible to ignore, saying players could “see and smell” the smoke that enveloped northern New Jersey.However, the midfielder insists Spain are working hard to prevent interference.“For a game as important as a World Cup final, you have to be able to eliminate external factors as much as possible,” Merino said. “Fortunately, thanks to the federation and organizers, we are very careful about every detail.”Spain held outdoor training on Thursday despite poor air quality, a decision that drew criticism from health experts who argued training should be moved indoors.Scientists say the uncertainty lies in what will happen after rain is expected on Saturday.Mark Parrington, a senior scientist at the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service, warned that if wildfire activity intensifies, another smoke mass could quickly follow the weather system.“The question is whether the smoke behind this system will reach the ground in northern New Jersey on Sunday, and if so, how dense it will be,” Weather Channel meteorologist Jonathan Bayless added. He noted that current forecasts range from little smoke on the ground to concentrations that could make players and spectators more worried.Medical experts have warned that even “moderate” air pollution can affect elite athletes because strenuous exercise increases the amount of polluted air they breathe in.
FIFA confident despite weather concerns
Despite lingering uncertainty, tournament organizers remain optimistic that the final will go off without a hitch.Trump met with FIFA president Gianni Infantino in New York on Friday, with both leaders praising the expanded 48-team tournament as a landmark success.Standing next to the World Cup trophy, Infantino praised the impact of the tournament.“Mr. President, the American dream has come true. We have united the world,” he said, adding that millions of fans in the United States, Canada and Mexico came together “in a peaceful and joyful way.”Trump echoed those sentiments, calling the game “one of the greatest sporting events in history” and then wishing both finalists well.“Good luck to Spain and Argentina on Sunday and may the best team win,” the US president said.Record attendances, sold-out stadiums and a global television audience have made the tournament one of FIFA’s most successful, and organizers now hope the only remaining drama on Sunday will occur on the pitch, rather than in the smoke emanating from the skies over New Jersey.
