The Statue of Liberty stands during sunset as smoke from wildfires covers the sky on Thursday. (AP photo)
Preparations for Sunday’s World Cup final between Argentina and Spain were overshadowed by an unexpected rivalry, thick wildfire haze drifting south from Canada, triggering air quality alerts across New York and New Jersey and raising questions about whether soccer’s biggest match could face weather-related disruptions.After the tournament was repeatedly halted due to thunderstorms, lightning delays and bad weather, fears have now turned from rain to smoke, as Canadian wildfires blanket much of the northeastern United States in dense fog.
Authorities in both New York and New Jersey issued health warnings after air quality reached unhealthy and, in some cases, “very unhealthy” levels. New York’s Office of Emergency Management urged residents to avoid spending more than an hour outdoors because smoke has reduced visibility and increased health risks.The World Cup final is scheduled to be played on Sunday at New Jersey’s outdoor stadium in East Rutherford, with organizers closely monitoring conditions.Despite the worrying scenes, forecasts are that improving weather, coupled with rain expected on Saturday, should cause much of the smoke to dissipate before kick-off, meaning the final is currently expected to go ahead as planned.
Spain trains outdoors despite the dangerous air
Spain’s preparations continued amid a smoke-filled atmosphere after the European champions arrived in New Jersey on Wednesday evening following their semi-final victory over France.
According to an AP report, Luis de la Fuente’s team practiced outdoors in East Hanover on Thursday, even as fog obscured the sun and the air quality ranged from “unhealthy” to “hazardous.” Members of the media were only allowed to observe the first 15 minutes of the session, making it difficult to assess the intensity of the exercise.Meanwhile, Argentina remained in the Atlanta zone after beating England in the semi-finals. The defending champion avoided the worst of the smoke because Georgia is located south of the affected area. Lionel Messi’s team is scheduled to begin training in New Jersey on Friday.Medical experts have questioned the wisdom of outpatient sessions under these circumstances.
Smoke adds another challenge before the Masterpiece final
Wildfire smoke has become a growing environmental concern across North America, as scientists link longer, more intense fire seasons to a warming climate.Experts say that smoke contains thousands of potentially harmful compounds capable of affecting the lungs, heart, and immune system. Even healthy people can experience irritation and breathing difficulties after prolonged exposure, while strenuous exercise greatly increases the amount of polluted air inhaled.Deteriorating air quality has already affected sports in the region. A National Women’s Soccer League match between Gotham FC and Washington Spirit was played Wednesday in nearby Queens, but players had to take two extra breaks in each half due to smoke-filled conditions.But for FIFA, there is growing optimism that Sunday’s final will escape any disruption. The US Environmental Protection Agency’s air quality forecast expects conditions to improve to “moderate” by match day, alleviating concerns that the clash between Argentina and Spain could become the latest World Cup match to be affected by severe weather.