‘Out of an abundance of caution’: Toronto FIFA Fan Festival cancelled on first day

Fans react to the cancellation to a watch party for the game between Mexico and South Africa at the FIFA Fan Festival over lighting concerns.

Thousands of people watching the first match of the 2026 World Cup at the FIFA Fan Festival in Toronto had to evacuate “due to the risk of lightning,” the city said.

“The decision was not made lightly, however safety is our utmost priority,” a City of Toronto spokesperson said in a statement, adding that it was made “out of abundance of caution.”

The evacuation occurred in the middle of the match between Mexico and South Africa.

CTV News meteorologist Lyndsay Morrison said there was a cluster of thunderstorms that moved from west to east.

“The threat of lightning was there for downtown Toronto, which is what resulted in city organizers making the decision to cancel the event,” said Morrison, who was at the Fan Festival.

“There was some brief rain in the downtown core, but fortunately nothing too severe weather-wise.”

The city also confirmed that the Fan Festival at Fort York and The Bentway will not reopen tonight.

“We’re sad because we were not able to finish the game, but it’s okay. We need to leave,” one fan told CTV News.

Another fan said while she understood the city’s reason, she wanted to enjoy the first game.

“It’s disappointing,” she said.

Another fan asked why the city didn’t have a plan that didn’t result in a cancellation.

“What if the weather gets bad? Then have a plan B. They didn’t have a plan B. Their plan B was to cancel the event. Like, come on, guys,” an exasperated fan said.