Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain was overshadowed by an unexpected enemy – wildfire fog is moving south from Canada, prompting air warnings in New York and New Jersey and raising questions about whether soccer’s biggest game could face weather-related chaos.After a race interrupted repeatedly by thunderstorms, lightning delays and bad weather, concerns have shifted from rain to smoke, with wildfires in Canada shrouding much of the northeastern United States in black fog.Officials in New York and New Jersey have issued health advisories after the air quality has worsened and, in some cases, “extremely unhealthy”. The New York Office of Emergency Management urged people to stay outside for more than an hour because the smoke increases visibility and makes people sick.The World Cup is scheduled for Sunday at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, where organizers are keeping a close eye on the conditions.Despite these dire events, the forecast shows that climate change, including the expected rain on Saturday, should disperse much of the smoke before it starts, meaning that the end is expected to happen as planned.
Spain trains outdoors despite the dangerous air
Spain’s preparations continued under a cloud of smoke as the European champions arrived in New Jersey on Wednesday night following their semi-final victory over France.According to an AP report, Luis de la Fuente’s team trained outdoors in East Hanover on Thursday, despite fog blocking the sun and air that was between “unhealthy” and “dangerous.” Members of the media were only allowed to watch the opening 15 minutes of the session, making it difficult to test the fitness.Meanwhile, Argentina remained in the Atlanta area after defeating England in the semi-final. Rescuers avoided the worst of the smoke because Georgia is south of the affected area. Lionel MessiHis side is scheduled to begin training in New Jersey on Friday.Medical experts questioned the wisdom of foreign sectors under such circumstances.
Smoke adds another problem before the final one
Wildfire smoke has become a major environmental concern in North America, with scientists linking longer and more intense seasons to a warming climate.Experts say that the smoke contains many substances that can damage the lungs, heart and immune system. Even healthy people can experience irritation and shortness of breath after sitting for long periods of time, while vigorous exercise increases the amount of polluted air they inhale.Air pollution has already affected sports in the area. The National Women’s Soccer League match between Gotham FC and the Washington Spirit continued Wednesday in nearby Queens, but the players had to take two breaks in each half due to smoke.For FIFA, however, hopes are growing that Sunday’s final escape will be disrupted. Air quality forecasts from the US Environmental Protection Agency have predicted conditions will improve until match day, easing concerns that the Argentina-Spain showdown could be the latest World Cup game to be hit by bad weather.
