Toronto (AP) – 2026 World Cups are being hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States and are less than a year and FIFA protocols are unclear for matches affected by wildfire smoke.
The 48-Team World Cup will run from 11 June to 19 July 2026. Canada is hosting 13 matches-seven in Kunkuvar and six in Toronto.
After the air quality of Toronto, the day the world was worst in the world, the Organizing Committee for the World Cup in Canada refused to reveal guidelines for the postponement or air quality contingencies with the international governing body of football. No policies are posted publicly.
The air quality health index rating for Toronto was more than 10, or on Monday morning the “very high risk”, 8 fell into a “high risk” rating of 8 by late noon.
According to Canadian government data, this year’s fire season is the second largest on records. According to Natural Resources Canada, Canada’s most devastating wildfire season was in 2023, with more than 6,000 fire 37 million acres (15 million hectares) of land burning.
Toronto Associate Medical Officer Dr. Howard Shapiro said in a statement that Toronto Public Health is actively reviewing the latest evidence and best practices for air quality issues as the city prepares for the World Cup.
The statement said, “TPH may provide guidance and recommendations on public health risks, including environmental health concerns such as extreme weather and wildfire smoke.” “This includes a casual plan to support the health and safety of residents, visitors and participants during the tournament.”
In those days, external activities when the air quality health index exceeds 7, should be re -determined, Dr. Andrew Halaiyo, a professor of physiology and pathophysiology at the University of Manitoba, to protect the weakest people, who are 65 or more, to include those with pregnant, young children and existing health conditions.
But others say that when the air quality reaches a threshold, it is difficult to indicate exactly where sports events should be canceled.
“I personally think that we cannot make a general statement based on good evidence, AQHI is unacceptable for a given program. Everything is relevant,” Dr. Christopher Carlston said, Head of Respiratory Medicine Division at British Columbia University.
That context involves anticipation of the age and air quality of the general audience, and the events should be underestimated based on the case-case, he said.
The impact of poor air quality on athletes is a matter of debate.
Some experts feel that athletes can better handle bad air conditions as they are usually young and healthy, which reduces them the chances of maintaining long -term health effects.
Michael browler, a professor at the medical medicine of British Columbia, said that the study shows that low levels of pollution also affect cognitive ability – which not only affects performance, but also increases the risk of injuries.
“Imagine that two players are actually going for a pass at high speed, and if you make a small error, it can be a career-dhma injury,” he said.
According to an agreement with the Canadian Football League players, Aqhi does not play the game when he overtakes the threshold of seven. Those games are postponed.
