Toronto, June 12 -- Severe weather concerns disrupted FIFA World Cup festivities in Toronto on Thursday after organisers evacuated and cancelled activities at the city's Fan Festival due to the risk of lightning, just a day before Canada began their campaign at the tournament.

The organisers announced the decision on social media, stating that the festival was being evacuated "out of an abundance of caution" because of the threat posed by approaching thunderstorms.

According to Reuters, the disruption came while fans had gathered to watch the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup between Mexico and South Africa on giant screens at the fan zone. Mexico went on to register a 2-0 victory in the tournament curtain-raiser.

The incident i...