FIFA president to discuss wildfire smoke risks ahead of World Cup final
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 17, 2026, 6:01 PM
Last updated Jul 17, 2026
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is meeting with White House officials to address air quality concerns in New York due to nearby wildfires. The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is set for Sunday at MetLife Stadium. Over 100 fires in Canada have affected air quality across the northeastern and midwestern U.S. while conditions have improved ahead of the match. Though some concerns remain, both teams are training normally, and forecasts suggest improving weather by game time. The talks aim to ensure the safety of players and fans.
- •Meeting takes place Friday ahead of World Cup final on Sunday.
- •Wildfires in Canada have affected air quality in New York.
- •Forecast predicts improving conditions for match day.
- •Both Spain and Argentina trained normally despite air quality concerns.
- •Weather may wash away smoke before kickoff.
- 11:25 PMYahoo Sports — FIFA and White House monitoring air quality for World Cup final, per report
- 6:43 PMYahoo Sports — White House And FIFA Chief Will Meet Over World Cup’s Wildfire Smoke Concerns
- 6:01 PMCBS Sports — FIFA president to meet with White House about wildfire smoke's potential impact on World Cup final
"Wildfire smoke from Canada blanketed the Northeast and Upper Midwest regions of the U.S. on Friday, as the majority of blazes raging in the country remained out of control.
"Officials are reportedly keeping an eye on conditions for the World Cup final with smoke from Canada wildfires causing poor air quality in the area.
"A series of wildfires near Canada's border with Minnesota have caused air quality concerns in the northeast and midwest of the U.S. in recent days
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 17, 2026, 11:25 PMFIFA and White House monitoring air quality for World Cup final, per report
Officials are reportedly keeping an eye on conditions for the World Cup final with smoke from Canada wildfires causing poor air quality in the area.
- Yahoo SportsJul 17, 2026, 6:43 PMWhite House And FIFA Chief Will Meet Over World Cup’s Wildfire Smoke Concerns
Wildfire smoke from Canada blanketed the Northeast and Upper Midwest regions of the U.S. on Friday, as the majority of blazes raging in the country remained out of control.
- CBS SportsJul 17, 2026, 6:01 PMFIFA president to meet with White House about wildfire smoke's potential impact on World Cup final
A series of wildfires near Canada's border with Minnesota have caused air quality concerns in the northeast and midwest of the U.S. in recent days
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