FIFA in White House talks as World Cup final rocked by wildfire smoke threat

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FIFA 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."