Toronto's World Cup broadcast at Nathan Phillips Square cancelled due to extreme heat
The city scrapped Thursday's free Portugal-Croatia watch party citing 44°C humidex and resource strain, leaving fans to find outdoor viewing elsewhere.
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Toronto cancelled its free public World Cup watch party at Nathan Phillips Square on Thursday, citing extreme heat and the resources required to safely host the event.
Environment Canada forecast a high of 34°C with the humidex making it feel closer to 44°C on Thursday, with a 40 per cent chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. The decision came less than 24 hours before Portugal was set to face Croatia in a Round of 32 match.
"We understand that this is disappointing for many, but the decision was made due to the extreme heat forecast & the demand on resources to ensure the safety of all," the city said in a statement.
The cancellation frustrated many on social media. "The 'extreme heat'? It has always been above 30 C in the summer in Toronto. This city is so embarrassing," one person wrote. Another suggested the city could have set up medical tents, water stations and shade instead.
Nathan Phillips Square has been one of Toronto's most popular free viewing locations during the World Cup. Thursday's match was expected to be the city's biggest yet, with both Portugal and Croatia boasting large communities across the Greater Toronto Area.
Other free outdoor viewing locations remain open, including STACKT Market, Evergreen Brick Works, and Canada Soccer House at Harbourfront Centre. The match kicks off at 7 p.m.
