FIFA, White House monitoring wildfire situation for World Cup final

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 wildfires raging in Canada, sources confirmed to Fox News Digital on Friday.

The discussions were characterized as informal as they continue to monitor the wildfire situation. The sources added that there were no contingency plans in place to make any changes to the game because of the weather. 

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FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks during the 2026 Semafor World Economy conference in Washington, D.C., on April 15, 2026. (Kent Nishimura/AFP)

Sky Sports first reported that a potential meeting between Infantino and White House officials would focus on the potential dangers posed.

President Donald Trump is slated to attend the game in new Jersey on Sunday afternoon. 

The 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 FIFA Club World Cup 2025 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 POOR, ARGENTINA COULD BE HURT BY SPAIN’S STYLE IN WORLD CUP FINAL, FOX ANALYST SAYS

The Toronto Blue Jays announced earlier Friday that the retractable roof at Rogers Centre will be closed because of air quality concerns.

Spain and Argentina will kick off at 3 p.m. at MetLife Stadium — Argentina is aiming to become the first back-to-back 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)

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In 2023, the New York Yankees postponed a game, but the air quality index was nearly double the 150-200 range the area has been hit with this week.

Fox News’ Pat Ward contributed to this report.

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