FIFA World Cup 2026 in Toronto: Everything You Need to Know
This summer, the world's biggest sporting event comes to Toronto. The FIFA World Cup 2026 — co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States — will see six matches played at BMO Field (renamed "Toronto Stadium" for the duration of the tournament), kicking off June 12 with the first-ever men's FIFA World Cup match on Canadian soil.
And yes, Canada's Men's National Team will be playing. On home turf. In a World Cup. Let that sink in.
The Matches
Toronto will host six group-stage matches between June 12 and June 25. The full schedule and team assignments are still being finalized by FIFA, but Toronto's opening match on June 12 will feature Canada — a moment decades in the making for Canadian soccer fans.
The Upgrades
BMO Field has been undergoing major renovations to meet FIFA's strict venue requirements. The federal government has committed $104 million, Ontario is contributing $97 million, and the City of Toronto is investing $90 million — nearly $300 million in total upgrades that include expanded seating, improved facilities, and enhanced broadcast infrastructure.
Getting There
The TTC is rolling out a comprehensive transit plan centered around getting fans to and from Exhibition Place. Key measures include RapidTO transit priority lanes on Dufferin and Bathurst streets, giving buses and streetcars dedicated corridors during match days.
Metrolinx and PRESTO are also working on a region-wide transit pass that would give visitors and residents seamless travel across the GTA during the tournament — a move that could have lasting benefits well beyond the World Cup.
Fan Fest and City Events
From June 11 to July 19, Fort York National Historic Site and The Bentway will host the free FIFA Fan Festival, an open-air celebration with big-screen match viewing, live music, food vendors, and interactive experiences. The festival is free to attend and will run throughout the tournament.
Canadian actor Will Arnett has been named Toronto's official FIFA World Cup 2026 city ambassador, adding some star power to the city's promotional efforts.
Economic Impact
The numbers are staggering. The tournament is expected to create more than 3,500 jobs in Toronto alone, attract over 300,000 visitors, and generate $393 million in GDP. Hotels, restaurants, bars, and local businesses along the Exhibition Place corridor are already gearing up for what could be the biggest economic boost the city has seen since the Pan Am Games.
The Bigger Picture
For Toronto, the World Cup isn't just a sporting event — it's a chance to showcase the city on the global stage. With billions of viewers tuning in worldwide, the tournament offers an unprecedented platform for Toronto's culture, food, and nightlife.
Whether you're a die-hard soccer fan or just looking to soak in the atmosphere, summer 2026 in Toronto is going to be unlike anything the city has experienced. Start planning now.
