The Statue of Liberty stands as smoke from wildfires covers the sky; US President Trump and FIFA President Infantino. (AP Photo)
“We hold Canada accountable.”With those words, U.S. President Donald Trump brought politics into the run-up to Sunday’s World Cup final, blaming Canada for wildfire smoke that has blanketed parts of the northeastern United States and raised uncertainty over the circumstances of soccer’s biggest match.In a post on his social media platform, Trump said that the United States is “unnecessarily invaded by dirty, polluted, unhealthy air, the quality of which is dangerous and completely unacceptable!” He also threatened to impose new tariffs on Canada due to smoke billowing south from massive wildfires burning across the country.
The comments came as organizers, teams and meteorologists continue to closely monitor air quality ahead of the final between Argentina and Spain at New Jersey’s outdoor stadium in East Rutherford, where nearly 80,000 fans are expected to attend.While forecasts currently predict “moderate” air quality for kick-off, experts warn that uncertainty remains over whether another wave of smoke could follow heavy rain expected on Saturday.
Smoke forecast leaves World Cup final under a cloud
Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino admitted the smoke was impossible to ignore, saying players could “see and smell” the fog accumulating over northern New Jersey.However, the midfielder insisted Spain were trying to prevent the clearance.
“For a match as important as the World Cup final, you have to be able to exclude external factors as much as possible,” Merino said. “Fortunately, we are taking care of all the details thanks to the federation and the organizers.”
Spain trained outdoors on Thursday despite the dangerous air quality, a decision that sparked criticism from health experts who believe the session should have been moved indoors.Scientists say the uncertainty lies in what will happen after the rains expected on Saturday.Mark Barrington, chief scientist at the Copernicus atmospheric monitoring service, warned that another smoke-filled air mass could quickly follow the weather system if wildfire activity intensifies.“The question is whether the smoke behind this system will reach ground level over northern New Jersey on Sunday, and if so, how concentrated it will be,” added Weather Channel meteorologist Jonathan Bellis, noting that the forecast currently ranges from a little smoke at ground level to concentrations that could become more concerning for players and spectators.Medical experts have warned that even “moderate” air pollution can affect elite athletes, because intense exercise increases the amount of polluted air inhaled.
FIFA is confident despite weather concerns
Despite the ongoing uncertainty, tournament organizers remain optimistic that the final will be played without interruption.Trump met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in New York on Friday, where the two leaders hailed the expanded 48-team tournament as a historic success.Standing by the World Cup, Infantino praised the impact of the event.“The American dream, Mr. President, has come true. We have united the world,” he said, adding that millions of fans gathered “peacefully and in a joyful way” across the United States, Canada and Mexico.Trump echoed those sentiments, calling the competition “one of the greatest sporting events in history ever” before wishing both finalists well.The US President said: “Good luck to Spain and Argentina on Sunday, and I hope the best team wins.”With record attendances, fully packed stadiums and global television audiences already making the tournament one of FIFA’s biggest successes, organizers are now hoping the only remaining drama on Sunday will come on the field – and not from the smoky skies above New Jersey.