Toronto experienced extreme heat and humidity during the final World Cup match between Portugal and Croatia. The conditions approached the threshold recommended by world soccer guidelines for delaying games due to health risks to players. Several matches in the tournament had already been postponed for similar reasons.
Portugal secured a 2-1 victory over Croatia in the Round of 32 match at Toronto Stadium, which began at 7 p.m. ET. The temperature in downtown Toronto was 27°C with 67% humidity, making it feel like 35°C, according to Environment Canada. Earlier in the day, temperatures soared to 35°C, feeling like 42°C due to a heat dome over southern Ontario and Quebec, leading to the cancellation of public viewing events.
FIFPRO, representing professional footballers, has heat guidelines based on the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT). Games should be delayed if the WBGT exceeds 28°C or if the ambient temperature surpasses 36°C to ensure safety for players, officials, and fans. The WBGT at the start of the Toronto match was close to 28°C, depending on sunlight and wind conditions.
WBGT considers the body’s cooling effect from sweating, vital for regulating body temperature. High humidity hinders sweat evaporation, impairing the body’s cooling mechanism. WBGT helps assess heat stress, crucial for occupational health guidelines like FIFPRO’s. Extreme heat can lead to performance decline and heat-related illnesses, necessitating caution and monitoring of vulnerable individuals.
Humidex measures perceived heat discomfort, with values above 40 causing discomfort and above 45 posing a heat stroke risk. WBGT and humidex are not directly comparable due to differing measurement methods. The heatwave in southern Ontario and Quebec raised concerns about heat-related illnesses and safety for athletes and workers. FIFA has not set a specific temperature threshold for match postponement, addressing player health concerns while acknowledging lingering risks due to competition formats and infrastructure limitations.
