The dense smoke blanketing New York and much of the East Coast in recent days has elicited a mix of bemusement and concern from cities like Dallas and Los Angeles, where residents are watching with a hint of schadenfreude as the World Cup final is set to occur at the New York/New Jersey Stadium (commonly known as MetLife Stadium in New Jersey) this Sunday.
Both Dallas and Los Angeles, which were overlooked when FIFA designated the final venue in February 2024, boast superior facilities without the climatic challenges posed by New York. The city was selected for its global appeal and favorable time zone for European audiences.
Initial worries about hosting the final at MetLife centered around the extreme summer heat typically experienced in New York, which Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández previously described as “very dangerous” during last year’s Club World Cup semi-final. However, this week’s poor air quality has presented FIFA with an unexpected dilemma.
Wildfires raging in Canada have caused thick smoke to drift southward, affecting numerous cities across the eastern United States. By late Thursday, air quality advisories shifted from “unhealthy” to “very unhealthy.”
Emergency management officials in New York City issued a citywide code red from Tuesday through Thursday, advising residents to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary and to avoid strenuous activities. These conditions are far from ideal for the world’s most significant sporting event, which anticipates a global television audience of 1.6 billion.
The smoke was starkly visible in downtown Manhattan, obscuring views of the Statue of Liberty across the Hudson River, while leading to the cancellation of numerous flights from Newark Airport in New Jersey.
Conditions began to improve on Friday, and FIFA officials are hopeful for better air quality by Sunday, especially with rain forecasted for Saturday that could help dissipate the smoke. Still, the adverse weather has already impacted sporting events.
A National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) match between Gotham and Washington Spirit took place in a murky haze on Wednesday, prompting officials to enforce additional breaks throughout the game in response to the poor air quality.
The introduction of hydration breaks by FIFA during the World Cup has already stirred controversy, and the prospect of enforcing further stoppages could lead to additional discontent.
The weather-related challenges come at a particularly inconvenient time for New York, which has embraced the World Cup despite being chosen for its international visibility. The city’s commitment to the tournament has been palpable.
While the New York Knicks’ remarkable NBA championship victory over the San Antonio Spurs overshadowed the tournament’s kickoff last month, enthusiasm for the World Cup has steadily built since.
All seven previous matches at MetLife have sold out, and securing reservations at local restaurants and bars to watch England’s semi-final loss to Argentina proved difficult.
Beyond the weather, the most pressing issue for attendees will be reaching the stadium, which NFL fans frequently deem notoriously difficult to access due to limited public transport options and the challenges of navigating the Lincoln Tunnel connecting Manhattan to New Jersey.
To complicate matters, parking on Sunday will be restricted to guests and VIPs, while bus and rail fares have seen significant hikes for the tournament. A concerted effort by the New York and New Jersey governments has allowed for a reduction in matchday return prices for New Jersey transit trains from $150 (£112) to $98, although this remains steep for a mere 20-minute journey. For those deterred by high prices, shuttle buses from Manhattan will be available for $20.
Donald Trump is expected to make a notable entrance, as his helicopter, Marine One, is scheduled to fly over the stadium before landing at the nearby Teterboro airport. Although FIFA has not publicly acknowledged it, managing the president’s presence remains a concern. After Trump’s unexpected appearance at Chelsea’s Club World Cup final celebrations, which left captain Reece James baffled, FIFA is taking precautions by confirming that he will present the trophy alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
A precedent was established four years ago when the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, adorned Lionel Messi with a traditional Arab cloak before the Argentine captain received the trophy from Infantino. With Trump, however, there’s uncertainty about what he may have planned.
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