U.S. Ambassador warns Trump may postpone World Cup final
Air quality in New Jersey raises health concerns
U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra said that if smoke from the Canadian wildfires continues to cover New Jersey before Sunday’s World Cup final, President Donald Trump would not hesitate to call for the match to be postponed.
“If the pollution is so bad that it is dangerous for the players or the fans, the president of the United States will be the first to say not to hold the game,” Hoekstra told Global News.
He added that talks are already under way with FIFA to assess air quality ahead of the Spain‑Argentina final, emphasizing that the health and well‑being of athletes and spectators cannot be compromised.
MetLife Stadium prepares for a Sunday showdown
The final is slated for Sunday afternoon at MetLife Stadium, an open‑air venue in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where the U.S. Air Quality Index recorded “unhealthy levels for all” on Friday.
President Trump is expected to attend the ceremony and present the FIFA World Cup trophy to the winning team.
Wildfire smoke blankets much of the United States
Smoke from the Canadian wildfires has spread across the United States, affecting an estimated 100 million people and prompting the president to threaten additional tariffs on Canada.
In a separate incident, Major League Soccer postponed the Chicago Fire‑Vancouver Whitecaps match at Soldier Field, and Major League Baseball delayed at least one game because of hazardous air quality.
Players and medical experts weigh in
Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino noted the visible haze during training, saying that while the smoke is noticeable, the focus must remain on the importance of the World Cup final.
Christopher Carlsten, head of respiratory medicine at the University of British Columbia, said forecasts predict pollution levels of 10 to 20 micrograms per cubic metre on Sunday, well above the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of about 5 micrograms per cubic metre.
