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With two days to go until the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, it is not a tactical opponent that is causing the organisers the most concern, but a far more unpredictable foe: smoke. New York is choking under a thick cloud of smoke from the wildfires that have been ravaging Canada for several weeks, and air quality has reached levels deemed “hazardous to health” by the health authorities.
MetLife Stadium, which is set to host La Roja and La Albiceleste on Sunday 19 July, is shrouded in an orange haze reminiscent of the worst days of June 2023. The situation is serious enough for FIFA to have established a permanent line of communication with the US meteorological and health authorities. There is an immediate and unfortunate precedent: a football match due to take place on Thursday evening in Chicago in front of 40,000 spectators was simply cancelled by the local authorities.
MetLife Stadium, which is set to host La Roja and La Albiceleste on Sunday 19 July, is shrouded in an orange haze reminiscent of the worst days of June 2023.
Unbreathable air, worrying precedents
The readings are unequivocal. On Thursday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeded 150 in several neighbourhoods of New York – a level at which prolonged exposure is not recommended even for healthy people. Smoke from the Canadian wildfires, driven by northerly winds, is carrying fine particulate matter (PM2.5) capable of penetrating deep into the lungs.
“A serious threat,” read the headline in Le Parisien on Friday morning, quoting New York health authorities who have recommended wearing masks outdoors. The situation is serious enough for FIFA to be considering alternative scenarios behind the scenes — even though, officially, the organisation is seeking to reassure the public and insists that “all options are on the table to ensure the safety of players and spectators”.
Memories of the Olympic Games and other major sporting events disrupted by air pollution are fresh in everyone’s minds. But postponing a World Cup final, with billions of television viewers expected and logistical challenges on a colossal scale, would be an unprecedented decision.
Spain train, Argentina arrive
Despite these poor conditions, La Roja went ahead with their outdoor training session on Thursday. Luis de la Fuente’s players, who are aiming for a second title following their 2010 victory, trained as normal under the supervision of the medical staff. No incidents were reported, but the question of the physiological impact on bodies subjected to maximum exertion remains.
Argentina, meanwhile, is not due to arrive in New York until Friday. Lionel Scaloni’s Albiceleste, the defending champions, have chosen to delay their arrival to minimise exposure. A precaution that speaks volumes about the prevailing concern. The Argentines, who secured an epic victory over England in the semi-final, are hoping to claim a third World Cup title.
On the Spanish side, there is another cause for concern: Lamine Yamal, the 19-year-old prodigy, is a doubt for the final. Having picked up an injury during the semi-final victory over France, the FC Barcelona prodigy is undergoing intensive treatment. His presence on the pitch on Sunday will largely dictate La Roja’s game plan.
FIFA investigates Argentina’s celebrations
As if the atmosphere in New York weren’t enough, another cloud hangs over the final. FIFA has officially launched an investigation into the behaviour of the Argentine players following their victory over England. Chants and gestures deemed provocative were captured on camera, reigniting tensions between the two nations three decades after the Falklands War.
The disciplinary body is examining the footage and could impose sanctions on several players, although a suspension for the final seems unlikely at this stage. The incident adds another layer of tension to an event that was already brimming with it.
The question on everyone’s lips now is simple: on Sunday evening, will the curtain rise against a finally clear New York sky, or will the greatest final in football history have to be played under a veil of smoke? The answer lies with the winds of Canada.