What to know
- Canada will face Qatar on Thursday evening in its second FIFA World Cup match.
- Rain and possible thunderstorms could affect Toronto’s outdoor FIFA Fan Festival, which is scheduled to open at 1:30 p.m.
- The festival has previously experienced weather-related delays and cancellations despite being a rain-or-shine event.
- Organizers have not announced any schedule changes, while performances and multiple match broadcasts remain planned throughout the day.
As Canada prepares to take on Qatar in its second FIFA World Cup match, rainy conditions could impact the start of Toronto’s FIFA Fan Festival on Thursday.
Canada will face Qatar in Vancouver on Thursday evening, with fans across Toronto expected to gather at watch parties, including the outdoor FIFA Fan Festival.
However, a special weather statement remains in effect for Toronto, with Environment Canada warning of heavy rain through the morning and the possibility of thunderstorms.
While the weather agency says the heaviest rain is expected during the morning hours, its hourly forecast suggests showers could continue into the afternoon and evening.
The weather could affect the FIFA Fan Festival, which is scheduled to open at 1:30 p.m. and run until 11 p.m. The Canada-Qatar match broadcast is set to begin at 6 p.m.
The festival has already experienced weather-related disruptions, including delayed openings and cancellations, despite being promoted as a rain-or-shine event.
As of Thursday morning, neither the City of Toronto nor festival organizers had announced any plans to delay the event or alter the schedule.
FIFA Fan Festival schedule
If the festival proceeds as planned, attendees will be treated to performances by Dwayne Gretzky, The Brokes and HanBeat Nanta on the main stage.
A broadcast of the Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina match is also scheduled for 3 p.m.
Following Canada’s match against Qatar, the festival will air Mexico’s match against Korea at 9 p.m.
