FIFA Concerned Over Air Quality for World Cup Final Amid Canadian Wildfires

Two days before the World Cup final, persistent wildfires in Canada continue to raise concerns about air quality in the New Jersey region, the host city for the championship match.

Government agencies are still issuing warnings about the poor air quality in the northeastern United States due to smoke drifting from the fires. The situation has improved compared to previous days, with current air quality readings just below 57 on a local environmental services scale, considered moderate. Earlier, readings were between 150 and 200, deemed very risky for those with health issues, and even exceeded 200 on Thursday evening, posing a danger to everyone.

Images and videos show the sky turning orange as smoke blankets the area. A flight from Atlanta clearly illustrated the vast extent of the affected region, with the haze beginning about 1,000 kilometers from New Jersey and intensifying. The smoke plumes have reached altitudes of approximately 3,000 meters.

A British journalist from Sky News reported that FIFA President Gianni Infantino is expected to discuss the potential health risks for players and fans with U.S. President Donald Trump. FIFA has since stated that the final will proceed as scheduled. Unlike stadiums in Houston, Atlanta, and Dallas, the New York New Jersey Stadium lacks a roof, leaving it exposed to the smoke. Saturday is expected to bring improved air quality due to predicted heavy rainfall, which should help clear the smoke particles.

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The air quality is currently scoring just below 57, on the meter of local environmental services. Everything between 50 and 100 is considered moderate.