Rain threatens Toronto's FIFA Fan Festival ahead of Canada-Qatar match
Heavy rain and possible thunderstorms expected Thursday could disrupt the outdoor event, though no schedule changes announced yet.
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Heavy rain and possible thunderstorms could disrupt Toronto's FIFA Fan Festival on Thursday as Canada prepares to take on Qatar in Vancouver.
Canada faces Qatar in its second World Cup match Thursday evening. The outdoor FIFA Fan Festival is scheduled to open at 1:30 p.m. and run until 11 p.m., with the Canada-Qatar broadcast set to begin at 6 p.m.
Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for Toronto, warning of heavy rain through the morning with the possibility of thunderstorms. While the heaviest rain is expected during morning hours, hourly forecasts suggest showers could continue into the afternoon and evening.
The festival has previously experienced weather-related delays 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.
If the festival proceeds as planned, attendees can expect performances by Dwayne Gretzky, The Brokes and HanBeat Nanta on the main stage. A broadcast of Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina is scheduled for 3 p.m., followed by Mexico vs. Korea at 9 p.m.