Canadian Health Experts Warn of Strain from FIFA World Cup

TORONTO — Health care professionals in Canada are raising alarms about the potential strain on the health-care system during the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The tournament is expected to draw more than 300,000 soccer fans to Toronto and Vancouver in June, and experts warn that local emergency departments may struggle to cope with an influx of patients.

In an editorial published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, Dr. Catherine Varner, an emergency medicine physician in Toronto, highlighted vulnerabilities in the health-care system that must be addressed ahead of the event. She emphasized that both cities have experience hosting large gatherings, but the current health system’s capacity is a significant concern, particularly in light of past surges in emergency visits during major events.

Public health officials are preparing for various health risks, with Public Health Ontario identifying potential threats such as measles, food-borne illnesses, and COVID-19. To monitor these risks, Toronto and Vancouver have implemented wastewater surveillance systems aimed at detecting infectious disease outbreaks during and after the tournament.

Dr. Varner expressed her anxiety about the prospect of unexpected emergencies, recalling experiences from previous large-scale events. “During Games 1 and 7 of the MLB World Series, I saw a surge in trauma and substance-related visits,” she noted. On one occasion, only one Intensive Care Unit (ICU) bed was available at her hospital, leading her to question how they would manage a sudden influx of patients.

Dr. Raghu Venugopal, another emergency physician in Toronto, highlighted the potential cascading effects of a tragic incident, such as a stadium collapse. He described the overwhelming burden this could place on local hospitals, which already struggle with bed shortages. “We don’t have beds,” he stated, pointing out that even on a typical day, hospitals face capacity challenges.

In Vancouver, Dr. Brian Conway, medical director of the Vancouver Infectious Diseases Centre, voiced his concerns about measles outbreaks. He referenced a significant outbreak following the 2010 Vancouver Olympics that infected over 80 individuals. Vaccination rates have since declined, making the possibility of a resurgence more concerning.

Conway pointed out the difficulties that international fans may face if advised to isolate due to potential exposure to measles. “Imagine someone has paid thousands for tickets and hotel accommodations, only to be told they need to stay in their room for a week,” he explained, underscoring the challenges of enforcing public health measures during such a high-profile event.

Last week, Public Health Ontario released a risk assessment document aimed at informing government and health organizations about necessary preparations for the World Cup. The report categorized measles, food-borne illnesses, and COVID-19 as moderate health risks. It calls for monitoring epidemiological trends and planning for surge capacity during the tournament.

Officials have acknowledged the inherent uncertainty surrounding health risks as the event approaches. The report advises health authorities to reassess risks closer to June, considering how rapidly the situation can evolve.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospital staff developed protocols for maximizing critical care resources. Dr. Varner stressed the importance of preemptive planning, suggesting that hospitals collaborate in advance to prepare for anticipated surges. “Let’s plan early so we’re not figuring it out in the middle of the night when resources are stretched thin,” she urged.

This report was first published on January 19, 2026, by The Canadian Press. Health coverage by The Canadian Press is supported through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association, with CP solely responsible for this content.