Fact Sheet
March 24, 2026
Overview
The City of Toronto, in partnership with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), have completed major upgrades at Toronto Stadium at Exhibition Place in preparation to host FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches. The venue will host six matches, including Canada’s Men’s National Team opening match and one knockout-stage match.
Construction began in December 2024 and was delivered in two phases, allowing the stadium to remain operational during Major League Soccer and Canadian Football League seasons. The upgrades meet FIFA technical and broadcast requirements while supporting the stadium’s continued use for professional sports, concerts and major events after the tournament.
Toronto Stadium is home to many Canada Soccer home matches, Toronto Football Club of Major League Soccer and the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League and multiple matches of the Association Football Club Toronto of the Northern Super League.
Key changes at a glance
- Stadium capacity expanded from approximately 28,000 to approximately 45,000 seats through temporary seating expansion for the tournament
- FIFA broadcast standards achieved, including required camera positions, lighting levels and broadcast compound space for international television production
- Expanded broadcast infrastructure to support evolving audiovisual standards and increased international media coverage
- Modernized fan technology and connectivity
- Four new large-format LED videoboards installed on the stadium’s corner columns
- Upgraded and expanded video production control room with isolated sound booth and improved views of the pitch
- Upgraded Wi-Fi infrastructure to support increased fan capacity and connectivity
- Updated public announcement system to enhance the fan experience and sports presentation
- Upgraded LED sports presentation lighting to elevate both the broadcast and in-venue experience
- Expanded hospitality and premium viewing areas
- Hospitality lounges in the northeast, southeast and south concourses
- Constructed 32 new legacy suites in the north end of the stadium and centre field lounge
- Renovations to existing suites on the west side
- New north-end viewing areas that will remain as a legacy feature for future events
Project timeline
- December 2024 – Construction began
- September 2025 – Phase 1 upgrades completed
- March 2026 – Phase 2 upgrades completed
- June 2026 – FIFA World Cup 2026 matches begin
Phase 1 upgrades (completed September 2025)
- Four large-format LED videoboards installed in the stadium’s corner columns
- LED stadium lighting to meet FIFA broadcast specifications and improve the gameday experience.
- New public announcement system (PA system)
- Upgraded and expanded video production control room
- Expanded broadcast infrastructure to support international television production
- Concourse and concessions improvements including self-serve technology and a permanent west-side kitchen
- Upgraded Wi-Fi infrastructure
- New Centre Field lounge and renovations to west-side hospitality suites
Phase 2 upgrades (completed March 2026)
- Temporary seating expansion increasing stadium capacity to approximately 45,000 seats
- Expanded broadcast infrastructure and compound space for international television production
- New, fully resurfaced FIFA-standard pitch with a hybrid stitching system that reinforces the field and created improved stability, wear tolerance, and recovery—especially important in a high-use, multi-sport environment
- Player-area upgrades including new dugouts, locker rooms and team facilities
- Seat replacement on the east and west sides of the stadium (approximately eight per cent of existing seats)
- Additional hospitality spaces and viewing areas
- Final broadcast infrastructure refinements
After the tournament, the temporary seating will be removed and the stadium will return to its regular seated capacity of approximately 28,000.
What fans will notice
- Larger high-definition videoboards throughout the stadium
- Faster mobile connectivity and improved Wi-Fi performance
- Shorter wait times at concessions through expanded service areas and self-serve technology
- Enhanced sound quality during matches and events
- Improved crowd flow throughout concourses
In addition to supporting FIFA World Cup 2026, the upgrades strengthen Toronto Stadium’s long-term role as a year-round venue for professional sports, concerts and major community events.
Long-term legacy upgrades
Permanent improvements that remain following the tournament include:
- Videoboards, stadium lighting and audio upgrades
- Wi-Fi and connectivity infrastructure improvements
- New north concourse and fan experience destinations, creating more accessible pathways through the venue
- Food service upgrades, including a west kitchen and self-serve concession technology
- Expanded hospitality and premium seating areas
- Seat replacements and accessibility improvements, including enhanced accessible seating areas and wayfinding
Temporary tournament requirements
- Temporary elements required for FIFA World Cup 2026 include seating expansion to meet FIFA tournament capacity requirements.
Investment
- Total investment: $157.9 million
- City of Toronto: $132.9 million
- MLSE: $25 million
Toronto City Council approved funding for the stadium upgrades as part of the City’s FIFA World Cup 2026 hosting agreements. In 2025, Council approved a $9.2 million adjustment to the stadium capital budget to address project cost changes. The increase was fully offset through a reallocation from the FIFA World Cup 2026 contingency budget and resulted in no change to the overall program budget.
Media assets
Images and b-roll of the completed stadium upgrades are available on the City’s newsroom webpage.
Ownership and operations
The City of Toronto owns the stadium. MLSE operates the venue and is responsible for day-to-day operations and tenant teams.
FIFA World Cup 2026
Toronto will host six FIFA World Cup 2026 matches beginning in June 2026, including the first-ever men’s FIFA World Cup match on Canadian soil featuring Canada’s Men’s National Team. The Government of Canada is supporting preparations related to hosting matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026, including contributions toward upgrades at Toronto Stadium. The Government of Ontario will support the infrastructure and logistics required for Toronto’s matches and related events.
In December 2024, FIFA released an economic impact assessment, prepared by Deloitte Canada, estimating that FIFA World Cup 26 could generate up to $940 million in positive economic output for the Greater Toronto Area. This includes a projected $520 million in GDP growth, $340 million in labour income and $25 million in government revenue. The tournament is also expected to create more than 6,600 jobs between June 2023 and August 2026, providing a substantial boost to the region’s economy.
