Some members of Canada’s National Soccer team will be playing at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Toronto.
Already plagued with a budget crunch, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is projected to cost a whopping $380 million for the City of Toronto to host.
Of that Centennial Park will receive $34.4 million in upgrades for use as a FIFA training facility for the June and July 2026 World Cup, which is expected to be one of the world’s most-watched sporting event.
BMO Field, where the actual matches will be played, will receive $65.8 million for design and upgrades to bring up to FIFA standards, the City’s Executive Committee was told on February 29.
Centennial Park will be receiving $34.4 million in upgrades for use as a FIFA training facility.
The event is estimated to generate $392 million for the City of Toronto, tax revenues totaling $118.9 million in the Toronto region, $456 million for the province of Ontario and tax revenues totaling $138.9 million within Ontario, City officials said.
Toronto Police will receive $600,000 to provide security at events and to escort athletes around to different venues for the matches.
“The project costs are expected to be shared with the provincial and federal governments,” the Committee was told.
The City of Toronto will host six matches, which kicks off on June 12, 2026.
The Committee heard Toronto will have the distinction of hosting the first-ever FIFA World Cup men’s match on Canadian soil and featuring the opening match of Canada’s Men’s National Team.
Fans will be treated to an upgraded and modified BMO Field for the FIFA matches.
“Of the six matches, Toronto will host five Group Stage matches from June 12 to 26, 2026 and a Round of 32 match on July 2,” according to a presentation. “The match schedule confirms an additional match from the five matches initially expected to be held in Toronto.”
A FIFA World Cup 2026 Toronto Secretariat, with a staff of nine, will have oversight and coordination of the City’s responsibilities as a Host City, leading all project planning and execution. The Secretariat is accountable for all aspects of planning, budget management, stakeholder coordination, community engagement, and execution of hosting the matches.
The Secretariat may need to enter into agreements with Destination Toronto, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, FIFA, and other parties to develop and conduct World Cup public engagement.
The World Cup trophy and some of the many fans to be in attendance for the matches.
“Toronto’s Host City goals are driven by the positive benefits and legacies the successful hosting of the World Cup will bring to the city and its residents,” according to City officials.
”Toronto’s position as a diverse global city presents a unique platform to realize benefits and legacy goals sought by FIFA and government partners.”
The matches will be hosted in 16 cities in Canada and Mexico, according to FIFA and 78 will be played in the U.S.