NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the White House have been in talks over 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 Pakinomist 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 changes to the game due to the weather.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks during the Semafor World Economy 2026 conference in Washington, DC, on April 15, 2026. (Kent Nishimura/AFP)
Pakinomist first reported that a potential meeting between Infantino and White House officials would focus on the potential dangers.
President Donald Trump is scheduled 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 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Final 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 the Rogers Center will be closed due to air quality concerns.
Spain and Argentina kick off at 3pm at MetLife Stadium – Argentina aiming to become the first back-to-back winners since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during the international friendly between Argentina and Iceland at Jordan-Hare Stadium on June 9, 2026 in Auburn, Alabama. (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
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.
