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2h ago

CMAJ Editorial Warns Canada’s Health System Could Buckle During World Cup

Clinicians point to packed ERs, scarce ICU capacity, the absence of a national surge plan.

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As Toronto and Vancouver get set to co-host 2026 FIFA World Cup games, health officials are preparing for a potential surge in visits to emergency departments as well as the possibility of disease outbreaks and food or weather-related illnesses.

Overview

  • Dr. Catherine Varner urges an urgent, actionable national strategy to expand beds and train personnel ahead of Toronto and Vancouver matches in June–July.
  • Hospitals report sustained strain from a heavy flu season, with emergency departments operating at or above capacity and patients facing long waits.
  • Public Health Ontario’s recent assessment ranks measles, food-borne illness and COVID-19 as moderate risks and advises monitoring, surge planning and reassessment closer to June.
  • Toronto and Vancouver have surveillance in place, including wastewater monitoring, as FIFA organizers coordinate with local and provincial health authorities.
  • Clinicians cite recent surge experiences — including nights with only one ICU bed available during the 2025 World Series — to warn that an unexpected mass-casualty event could overwhelm care, especially with more than 300,000 fans expected.