The City of Toronto, in partnership with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), has completed all major upgrades at Toronto Stadium at Exhibition Place for FIFA World Cup 2026™. The stadium is set to host six FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in Toronto, including group-stage and knockout round matches.
Completing the stadium’s key upgrades marks a major milestone in Toronto’s preparations as an Official Host City for FIFA World Cup 2026.
Phase 2 construction focused on final tournament-readiness improvements, including a temporary seating expansion to increase capacity to a total of 45,000 seats, a new pitch and dugout areas, upgraded player areas, additional hospitality spaces and refinements to broadcast infrastructure to meet FIFA competition requirements. The temporary seating expansion will be removed following the tournament, while many of the other infrastructure upgrades are permanent improvements that will enhance the fan experience and benefit future events.
Phase 1 upgrades, completed in 2025, delivered infrastructure improvements including enhanced broadcast capabilities, new videoboards, lighting and audio systems, expanded kitchen, lounge and hospitality spaces, and improved fan amenities. Additional upgrades support accessibility and enhance the spectator experience throughout the venue. A detailed overview of the work is available in the City’s Toronto Stadium Fact Sheet.
Toronto City Council approved funding for stadium upgrades as part of the City’s FIFA World Cup 2026 hosting agreements. The total project cost is $157.9 million, including $132.9 million from the City and $25 million from MLSE. The upgrades support FIFA requirements and the City’s long-term major events strategy.
Toronto Stadium is the City-owned stadium located on the Exhibition Place grounds. The venue is home to Toronto FC of Major League Soccer and the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League. The stadium also regularly hosts international matches for Canada Soccer and matches involving AFC (Association Football Club) Toronto.
New images and B-roll of the completed stadium upgrades will be available on the City’s newsroom webpage.
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 2026 could generate up to $940 million in positive economic output for the Greater Toronto Area, including $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.
Quotes:
“Completing these upgrades is an exciting milestone for our city. Fans, residents and visitors will share an incredible experience right here in our communities. The whole world will experience Toronto as the safe, affordable and caring city that it is. This is about more than the matches. It is about bringing people together, celebrating our diversity and showcasing the strength and spirit of our communities while creating lasting benefits for Toronto long after the final whistle.”
— Mayor Olivia Chow
“These improvements will help ensure the City of Toronto and the stadium are ready to welcome the world and deliver an unforgettable experience for players and fans during the FIFA World Cup 2026™. The Government of Canada is proud to have invested over $104 million and to work alongside partners as we prepare for this historic moment for sport in our country—one that will leave lasting benefits for communities in Toronto and across Canada, and inspire the next generation of athletes.”
— The Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport) and Canada’s FIFA Sherpa
“With anticipation building in our city for FIFA World Cup 2026™, we are proud to unveil, together with the City of Toronto, a world-class stadium to welcome the global game while providing fans with an unparalleled experience. We are grateful to Toronto fans for their patience as construction took place over the past year and we are looking forward to the tournament leaving a meaningful legacy with a number of permanent stadium improvements that will positively transform the fan experience for years to come.”
— Keith Pelley, President & CEO, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As an Official Host City for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City's website or follow us on X, Instagram or Facebook.