Former World Cup winners expect a thrilling final despite smog threat from Canadian wildfires
Football is a game that unites people, even when circumstances try to get in the way. The smoke from Canadian wildfires looming over the World Cup final is a reminder that sport does not exist in a vacuum. But for those who have taken the pitch and lifted the trophy, one thing remains unchanged — the greatness of the game, the skill of the teams, and the unpredictability of a final where a title is decided in ninety minutes.
Thick smoke from Canadian wildfires has raised air quality concerns ahead of Sunday's FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey. The pollution also prompted US President Donald Trump to threaten additional tariffs on Canadian goods. Amid fears that pollution could trigger health emergencies, several legendary former players gathered in New York's Central Park on Thursday to promote CPR training as part of FIFA's legacy initiative. But the conversation inevitably turned to Sunday's final between Spain and defending champions Argentina.
Two time World Cup winner Cafu said he had high expectations for the match. "The final is a meeting of two giant teams, two world champions — Argentina fighting for a second consecutive title, and Spain aiming for their second. It will be a tough game, but very beautiful to watch," he said. Spain's defensive record has been key to their success — they have conceded just one goal all tournament. According to Lukas Podolski, a 2014 World Cup winner with Germany, that could prove decisive. "They know how to play, they have amazing defensive skills, which you might not expect from a Spanish team because they are known for keeping the ball, but now, especially at this World Cup, you see how they defend. Spain is like a team.
They know how to act together in attack and especially in defence," he said. The former players noted that when two great teams meet in a final, the result matters less — what matters is a fantastic match. "When two big teams, big countries, reach the final, there are no favourites. So I expected these countries to be somewhere near the final before the World Cup. And here it is — let's watch, enjoy, and may the best team win," Podolski said.
Sunday's final will mark the conclusion of the biggest FIFA World Cup in history, featuring a record 48 teams and hosted for the first time across three countries: the United States, Mexico and Canada. As CCTV+ reports. Spain and Argentina will meet in the final, with both teams chasing historic achievements — Spain aiming for their second title, Argentina seeking a third consecutive star.
