Heavy rain, cold temperatures forecast for Canada's World Cup match Monday
Environment Canada upgraded warnings to yellow status, with 50-100mm expected. Monday's match at Commonwealth Stadium will see temperatures near 11°C.
Canada's men's national team will face Uzbekistan in a World Cup send-off match at Commonwealth Stadium on Monday evening, but the weather has other plans. Environment Canada upgraded its forecast Saturday morning to a yellow rainfall warning, with heavy downpours expected Monday evening through Wednesday morning and totals between 50 and 100 millimeters. Monday's high sits near 11°C, dropping to 9°C by evening kickoff.
The timing marks another chapter in Edmonton soccer's complicated relationship with weather. FC Edmonton's games were notorious for last-minute storms, snow, and windstorms that made outdoor play miserable. The 2015 Women's World Cup game at Commonwealth saw a thunderstorm delay. Even the city's cold-weather "Iceteca" World Cup qualifiers in 2021 tested players and fans alike.
The stadium installed a temporary grass pitch for Monday's match. Many seats are uncovered, so fans should bring rain gear and bundle up. Umbrellas larger than 16 inches or those with pointed ends are banned.
Transit is free for ticket holders after 5 p.m. on June 1, and the benefit extends until two hours after the final whistle. Park-and-ride sites operate at Eaux Claires Transit Centre (97 Street and 157 Avenue), Lewis Farms Transit Centre (1021 Webber Greens Drive), NAIT Parkade Lots A/B and D (109 Street and 118 Avenue, $6 per vehicle), and Naki Transit Centre in St. Albert (15520 Campbell Road). Direct shuttle buses to Stadium Station will be available.
It's the kind of weather that makes you wonder whether Mother Nature has a sense of humor about Edmonton soccer.