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5d ago

FIFA Has No Wildfire Smoke Contingency Plans as 2026 World Cup Looms

Toronto Public Health is reviewing evidence to set air-quality guidelines in response to worsening smoke hazards

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Overview

  • With less than a year before the tournament begins on June 11, 2026, FIFA has not released any public protocols for postponing or rescheduling matches due to wildfire smoke
  • Toronto Public Health is actively assessing best practices and scientific evidence to develop official guidance on air-quality risks during the World Cup
  • The Canadian Football League enforces a postponement threshold at AQHI readings above 7 and has delayed games when the index exceeds 10, while minor soccer associations apply similar standards
  • Toronto recorded “very high risk” AQHI levels above 10 in July 2025, underscoring the potential for hazardous smoke conditions during tournament dates
  • Health experts remain divided over fixed AQHI action levels, with some advocating postponements above 7 and others calling for context-based decisions