Infantino Skips World Cup Third-Place Match Over Weather

Travel Snag Keeps FIFA President Out of Miami

Fifa chief Gianni Infantino was unable to make the trip to Miami for the bronze‑medal clash between England and France. Adverse weather in New York forced the cancellation of several flights, and the governing body’s president opted to stay put. The absence marked a rare occasion when the top official could not attend a major tournament match.

Infantino recorded a video statement from a stadium in East Rutherford, just outside New York, where the upcoming final between Spain and Argentina will be staged. “I should have been in Miami for the bronze medal match,” he said, noting that the local conditions had prevented the journey. He then toured the final venue, confirming that preparations were on track.

The FIFA president had arrived in New York on Friday for a joint media appearance with U.S. President Donald Trump. The same storm system that kept Infantino grounded also prompted airlines to cancel a number of flights in and out of the city. In addition, the Spanish national team was forced to scrap their training session on Saturday because of the disruptions.

On the pitch, England secured third place with a dramatic 6‑4 win over France. The high‑scoring game highlighted the competition’s competitiveness at every level. The result set up a title showdown on Sunday between Argentina and Spain, both of which had breezed through the earlier rounds.

The final promises to be a marquee clash, with both Argentina and Spain riding high from their semi‑final victories. Fans in Miami and across the globe will be glued to the broadcast, hoping for a spectacle that lives up to the tournament’s hype. Meanwhile, the behind‑the‑scenes story of Infantino’s weather‑related detour will be recalled as a footnote to an otherwise celebratory weekend.