SportFootballWorld Cup FinalFIFA are still confident the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina will be fine to go ahead as planned on Sunday18:17, 17 Jul 2026Updated 18:09, 18 Jul 2026FIFA president Gianni Infantino is meeting with the White House to discuss the potential health risks of the Canadian wildfire smog in New York ahead of the World Cup final.‌Experts in the Big Apple have warned the public that breathing in the smoke-and-toxin-riddled air drifting in from Canada and the Great Lakes is comparable to smoking ten cigarettes.‌Local weather reports indicate the smog should subside on Saturday when rain is forecast and there's confidence it will clear in time for Sunday's showpiece match at the MetLife Stadium.‌However, FIFA and the White House will still hold discussions over the situation on Friday in a bid to ensure they deliver the right guidelines and safety messages before the final.Given the sheer volume of people travelling to New York for the game, health and safety remains paramount.Volunteers have been handing out high-filtration respiratory masks free of charge at subway and bus stations in New York over the past few days.‌The city's five boroughs have been under an Air Quality Health Advisory since Wednesday and the public are being urged to minimise time spent outside.Michael Petroni, a pollution expert told the New York Post: “It’s reasonable to say you’re smoking 10 cigarettes today by breathing the air in New York City. The rule of thumb is about 20 AQI points for a whole day equals one cigarette."He also added about the poisonous carcinogens: "They get into your bloodstream because they’re so small and they wreak havoc on your immune system. Over time, that adds up and it increases your likelihood of cancer, of heart disease."‌The thick haze makes it difficult for tourists to see landmarks such as the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty.USA president Donald Trump is set to attend Sunday's final between Spain and Argentina, according to a White House spokeswoman.‌Karoline Leavitt said: "On Friday, the president will travel to New York City to attend a FIFA reception at Trump Tower, followed by his attendance on Sunday at the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.Leavitt added that Trump's presence at the MetLife Stadium would "cap what has been the most watched, most secure, and most successful World Cup in American history."It's a fitting conclusion to a tournament that showcased America's ability to host the world on the grandest stage."Article continues belowGet the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌FIFA World CupFIFAWorld Cup FinalGianni InfantinoDonald TrumpEmpire State Building