The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is under a cloud of toxic smog, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino meeting the White House on Friday to discuss health risks as New York City’s air quality deteriorates. Experts have warned that breathing the smoke-and-toxin-riddled air drifting in from Canadian wildfires is comparable to smoking ten cigarettes, according to pollution expert Michael Petroni, who told the New York Post: “It’s reasonable to say you’re smoking 10 cigarettes today by breathing the air in New York City.” The thick haze has obscured landmarks such as the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty, and volunteers have been handing out high-filtration respiratory masks at subway and bus stations. The city’s five boroughs have been under an Air Quality Health Advisory since Wednesday, with the public urged to minimise time outdoors. However, local weather reports indicate rain is forecast on Saturday, raising confidence that the smog will clear in time for Sunday’s showpiece match at MetLife Stadium.
Amid the environmental uncertainty, Spain are drawing confidence from their unwavering collective identity. Former captain Cesar Azpilicueta, speaking to the BBC, said: “To win this World Cup, we don’t need to do anything spectacular – we just need to keep calm and carry on playing the same way.” He highlighted Spain’s 37-game unbeaten run and their Euro 2024 victory, as well as their semi-final win over France, as sources of belief. “The strength of this Spain team is in the group, and in their mentality,” Azpilicueta added. “They have an identity they believe in, which means they always keep doing the same things.” That calmness has been tested: Spain opened the tournament with a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde but did not panic, and they fought until the last minute against Portugal and Belgium. Azpilicueta noted that Spain have not been behind in any of their seven matches so far, saying: “If that happens in the final, and we go behind against Argentina, we won’t change.”
“World Cup final clouded by toxic smog; FIFA meets White House; Spain confident despite injury fears”
Spain’s preparations have been disrupted by injury concerns, with Lamine Yamal and Pedro Porro sparking fears after missing a training session. The extent of any potential absence remains unclear.
Argentina, the holders, will be confident too, powered by Lionel Messi in “amazing form”, as Azpilicueta acknowledged. “We know very well in Spain how he can make the difference at any point in the game,” he said, referencing Messi’s performance against England. US President Donald Trump is set to attend the final, according to White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt, who said his presence would “cap what has been the most watched, most secure, and most successful World Cup in American history.” The final now hinges on whether the smog clears and whether Spain’s unshakeable identity can overcome the threat of Messi’s brilliance.
