TORONTO, ON - AUGUST 21: A general view of an MLS game between Toronto FC v Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BMO Field on August 21, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
The excitement is palpable in Toronto as it prepares to host part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This event marks a significant milestone for Canada, as it will be the first time the nation hosts World Cup matches, having previously only staged the 2015 Women’s World Cup. The tournament will feature a total of 104 matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with Toronto and Vancouver being the Canadian hosts.
Toronto, the largest city in Canada with a population nearing three million, will host six matches, including Canada’s opening game on June 12, 2026. This match will set the tone for the tournament, as the Canadian national team takes to the field in front of a home crowd. Additional fixtures will occur on June 17, 20, 23, and 26, with the teams participating in these matches to be determined after the group stage draw on December 5, 2025. The city’s final World Cup match will occur on July 2, 2026, as part of the round of 32.
Stadium Enhancements and Capacity Expansion
The BMO Field, Toronto’s primary stadium, is undergoing extensive upgrades to prepare for the World Cup. Originally opened in 2007, the venue is currently being enhanced with a budget of £78 million. This includes increasing the stadium’s capacity from 28,000 to 45,000 to meet FIFA’s minimum requirements.
Phase one of the renovations commenced in December 2024 and introduced four new video screens. The second phase, beginning in December 2025, will add an additional 17,000 seats and improve lighting for television broadcasts. Temporary seating behind the goals will accommodate 7,000 spectators at one end and 10,000 at the other, ensuring fans can enjoy every match.
Fan Experience and Local Attractions
The area surrounding BMO Field will be vibrant during the tournament, with a FIFA Fan Festival set to take place at nearby Fort York. This historical site, known for the 1813 Battle of York, will feature food stalls and large screens for fans to watch the matches. The festival will extend to The Bentway, a unique urban space beneath an expressway that offers shade during the summer heat.
Visitors to Toronto will also find an array of attractions. The iconic CN Tower, once the tallest freestanding structure in the world, offers breathtaking views from its observation deck. For those seeking a cultural experience, the Distillery District provides a charming atmosphere with its historic buildings now transformed into restaurants and shops.
Sports enthusiasts can explore Toronto’s rich sporting culture. The city is home to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the NHL, the Toronto Blue Jays in Major League Baseball, and the Toronto Raptors in the NBA. While the NHL season does not coincide with the World Cup, fans can visit the Hockey Hall of Fame to celebrate Canada’s national sport.
As the tournament approaches, Toronto is set to become a hub of activity, showcasing not only its passion for soccer but also its diverse culture and vibrant community. With tickets already on sale, anticipation is building for what promises to be an unforgettable event in the city’s history.
