Infantino holds White House talks as wildfire smog threatens World Cup final in New York

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is in discussions with the White House on Friday over the threat posed by Canadian wildfire smoke to Sunday’s World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New York. Pollution experts have warned that the air quality in the city is currently comparable to smoking ten cigarettes in a single day.

New York’s five boroughs have been under an Air Quality Health Advisory since Wednesday, with authorities urging residents and visitors to minimise time spent outdoors. Volunteers have been distributing high-filtration respiratory masks free of charge at subway and bus stations across the city in response to the hazard.

Pollution expert Michael Petroni told the New York Post: “It’s reasonable to say you’re smoking 10 cigarettes today by breathing the air in New York City. The rule of thumb is about 20 AQI points for a whole day equals one cigarette.” He added that the microscopic carcinogens in the smoke “get into your bloodstream because they’re so small and they wreak havoc on your immune system. Over time, that adds up and it increases your likelihood of cancer, of heart disease.”

Despite the alarming air quality readings, FIFA remain confident the final will proceed as scheduled. Local weather forecasts predict rain on Saturday, which is expected to clear the smog before Sunday’s showpiece match. The volume of fans travelling to New York for the game has made health and safety messaging a priority for both FIFA and city officials.

The thick haze has already impacted the tourist experience in the city, with landmarks including the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty obscured from view.

US President Donald Trump is set to attend Sunday’s final, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. Trump is also scheduled to host a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York on Friday. Leavitt described his attendance at the final as capping “what has been the most watched, most secure, and most successful World Cup in American history.”