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FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the White House have been in talks about Sunday’s World Cup final in New Jersey as the tri-state area continues to deal with poor air quality caused by the wildfires raging in Canada, sources confirmed to Pak Gazette Digital on Friday.
The discussions were characterized as informal as they continue to monitor the forest fire situation. Sources added that there were no contingency plans to make changes to the game due to the weather.
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks during the Semafor World Economy 2026 conference in Washington, DC, on April 15, 2026. (Kent Nishimura/AFP)
Pak Gazette first reported that a possible meeting between Infantino and White House officials would focus on the potential dangers posed.
President Donald Trump is scheduled to attend the game in New Jersey on Sunday afternoon.
Air quality has already affected some professional games: An MLS game in Chicago on Thursday was postponed, while an MLB game in Philadelphia was moved up an hour.
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final match with FIFA President Gianni Infantino at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 13, 2025. (Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)
IF AIR QUALITY IS BAD, ARGENTINA COULD BE HURT BY SPAIN’S STYLE IN THE WORLD CUP FINAL, SAYS FOX ANALYST
The Toronto Blue Jays announced early Friday that the Rogers Center’s retractable roof will be closed due to air quality concerns.
Spain and Argentina will kick off at 3 pm at MetLife Stadium; Argentina aims to become the first consecutive winner since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during the international friendly match between Argentina and Iceland at Jordan-Hare Stadium on June 9, 2026, in Auburn, Alabama. (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
In 2023, the New York Yankees postponed a game, but the air quality index was nearly double the 150-200 range the area has seen this week.
