A thick, hazardous smog lingers above New York City as defending champions Argentina prepare to face Spain in the World Cup final — but the air quality, listed as “very unhealthy”, is just one of the controversies surrounding Sunday’s showpiece at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Argentina reached their second successive final after beating England 2-1 in the semi-final, a result that sparked celebrations from the reigning champions. They will now seek to become the first country to retain the trophy on a different continent, and the first team since 1962 to win it back-to-back following glory in Qatar in 2022.
“Argentina face Spain in World Cup final amid Canadian wildfire smog and criticism of MetLife Stadium's soulless atmosphere.”
Yet the setting has drawn criticism. The 82,500-seater MetLife, home of the New York Giants and Jets, has been described as a “jazzed up multi-storey carpark” — lacking the soul of Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca, the glamour of Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Arena, the scale of LA’s SoFi or the prestige of Dallas’ AT&T Stadium. “It’s difficult to get to and it lacks authenticity,” wrote one observer.
Adding to the unease, Canadian wildfire smoke has cast an ashy cloud over Manhattan and seeped across the Hudson River to East Rutherford. Argentina supporters arriving at the Port Authority Bus Terminal were handed complimentary high-filtration respiratory masks. FIFA, however, remain relaxed that the smoke will disperse during Saturday’s rain showers before Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic blows his whistle.
The match itself is laden with subplots. Lionel Messi, chasing his first World Cup Golden Boot with eight goals, could be making his last international appearance. He will face Spain’s Lamine Yamal — the apprentice against the master. Spain boss Luis de la Fuente was actually Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni’s mentor during Scaloni’s UEFA Pro Coaching license course.
These two sides were originally scheduled to meet in the Finalissima, but UEFA cancelled that fixture in March due to escalating tensions and conflict in the Middle East. That cancellation has made this final feel like destiny.
At half-time, Coldplay’s lead singer will curate a controversial show — though details remain sparse. For now, the footballing world waits to see whether the beautiful game can rise above the haze.
