FIFA President & White House Officials To Discuss Air Quality Health Risks Ahead Of World Cup Final

White House officials reportedly will meet today with FIFA president Gianni Infantino to discuss any potential air quality-related health risks posed by the Canadian wildfire smoke on Sunday’s World Cup final taking place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump will attend Sunday’s 3 p.m./ET final between Spain and defending champion Argentina taking place at the East Rutherford, N.J., stadium about 11 miles outside New York City. Trump, who is expected to present the winner’s trophy, also is expected to attend a FIFA reception later today at Trump Tower in Manhattan.

While the air quality in the New York City area has improved slightly today, landing in the “Poor” zone, could return to the more serious “Unhealthy” ranking later tonight. According to the National Weather Service, smoke still lingers today at a less intense level than yesterday but “may thicken again in the overnight into Saturday morning.”

Projected rain and cooler temperatures on Saturday afternoon and evening in the New York area likely will clear out some of the smoke. The forecast for Sunday in East Rutherford predicts clear skies and temperatures at a moderate 80 degrees.

White House and FIFA officials reportedly will discuss any potential health risks for players and fans on Sunday. Officials have indicated that the chance of cancellation remains extremely remote, with reports suggesting the air quality would probably have to rise to a “Hazardous” ranking before such a move would be made. Weather experts don’t expect that to happen.

The smoky conditions across the Northeast and the Midwest this week have been caused by wildfires in Canada near the Minnesota border.

The FIFA World Cup Final on Sunday will be broadway at 3 pm./ET in English on Fox and in Spanish on Telemundo. The English coverage will be streamed through the Fox One app, with the Spanish coverage streamed on Peacock. The Final also will be available with a subscription to YouTube TV, Fubo and Hulu.

The planned meeting between FIFA and White House officials was first reported by Sky Sports.