FIFA requests priority health care access for athletes, VIPs ahead of 2026 World Cup in Toronto and Vancouver

In preparation for the FIFA Men’s World Cup in 2026, organizers have made a request for pre-arranged access to medical care for athletes and VIPs at designated hospitals in Toronto and Vancouver. The request includes access to a full range of medical specialist care, medication, and qualified medical staff for urgent emergency situations.

As co-hosts of the tournament, Canada is responsible for ensuring that these medical services are readily available for participants and dignitaries attending the games. The tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, will see Toronto hosting six games and Vancouver hosting seven.

According to a FIFA document outlining host city requirements, the access to designated hospitals is a standard practice for all FIFA tournaments and is in line with international standards for major events. The goal is to ensure efficient provision of care without burdening local healthcare resources.

While the requests from FIFA have not yet been publicly confirmed, they come at a challenging time for the Ontario and British Columbia healthcare systems. With a shortage of physicians and a large number of patients waiting for specialized care, there are concerns about the strain that accommodating FIFA athletes and VIPs may place on the healthcare system.

Kerry Bowman, a bioethics professor at the University of Toronto, has raised ethical concerns about granting priority access to healthcare based on the status of individuals. He believes that access to care should be based on medical need rather than VIP status.

The Ontario Hospital Association and several Toronto hospitals have not provided comments on the matter, but Michael Garron Hospital has stated its commitment to providing high-quality care to all patients based on their medical urgency. Under the Canada Health Act, healthcare systems must prioritize patient care based on need rather than status.

In contrast to the FIFA request, the Pan Am Games held in Toronto in 2015 did not access publicly funded services for medical care. Instead, the organizing committee purchased a medical insurance policy for accredited individuals, such as athletes and their support teams, to cover any medical expenses.

As the FIFA World Cup approaches, the Ministry of Health continues to coordinate with the City of Toronto, provincial partners, health system partners, and FIFA to plan for the event. The government is committed to ensuring that high-quality care is available for all participants, spectators, and players during the tournament.

In conclusion, while the request for pre-arranged access to medical care for athletes and VIPs raises ethical and logistical concerns, it is essential to prioritize the well-being of all individuals involved in the FIFA World Cup. By working together with healthcare partners, organizers can ensure that necessary medical services are in place to handle any emergency situations that may arise during the tournament.