Image: Courtesy of Toronto FIFA World Cup / via NOW Toronto.
With up to six games scheduled to take place at the BMO Field in June 2026, Toronto is getting excited about the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The world will be watching as an international audience experiences this once-in-a-generation event, giving locals the opportunity to showcase the very best of Toronto.
According to Jose Caro, Head Coach of the Women’s Soccer from Humber Polytechnic, the event will mark a huge impact on Toronto’s cultural landscape:
“Hosting a world cup event is magical. We are a country that thrives on being multicultural. Look at the local events every year the city hosts, attracting people from all cultures and backgrounds to share their food, music, language, history and more. For the international fans coming I’m sure they will feel at home, as Toronto has so many pockets of diversity everywhere you go. Tourism will flourish and overall it will have a positive impact on the city.”
Ricardo Fonseca, Soccer Coordinator at Humber Polytechnic, highlighted the unifying power of soccer:
“I have always seen over the years with soccer that it can bring people together. I’m hoping it does that again at this tournament.”
With Toronto’s electrifying energy and its diverse culture, it will guarantee that it would be the perfect stage to welcome the international fans. Beyond the sport, the World will inspire the future generation of athletes and have soccer gain more recognition.
The World Cup will unite the city and create a lively energy throughout Toronto. Everything from neighbourhood cafes, diverse restaurants and pubs to the CN Tower is prepping for fans from across the globe.
In 2026, Canada, the United States, and Mexico will jointly host the FIFA World Cup, bringing wild fans around the globe. It will be the largest tournament in history as 48 teams are announced to be competing, and Toronto is set to play a key role.
The city’s BMO Field will kick start the event for the cup’s first match with approximately 45,735 thrilled fans to witness the action fi rsthand. Going beyond the games, it is expected that the tournament will generate $393 million for Toronto’s economy, making a huge boost for local businesses, hotels, and restaurants. The impact of the event itself will ignite the new generation of Canadian soccer players and communities together, strengthening the sport’s existence for years to come.