The City of Toronto has signed Humber Polytechnic as its second Official Toronto World Cup 2026 Host City Supporter, marking another milestone in preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2026™. As an Official Host City Supporter, Humber will support the local delivery of the City of Toronto’s volunteer program for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ volunteer program includes recruitment, selection, scheduling, training and volunteer recognition from the pre-tournament warm-up through to the final whistle in July 2026. Humber’s Lakeshore Campus will serve as the home for the FIFA World Cup 26 Volunteer Centre – Toronto which will open later this year.
With its strong varsity soccer program, expertise in event and sport management and a diverse and engaged student body, Humber will play a key role in delivering a premier volunteer program for Toronto. To help deliver a world-class experience for fans visiting Toronto, Humber will work with the City to develop and implement role- and venue-specific training for volunteers supporting the FIFA Fan Festival™ and performing activities as Host City Ambassadors in various locations around the city.
In addition, the City has identified projects for Humber students to support and gain hands-on experience, including event operations, communications, media production, data collection and reporting. This partnership draws on the expertise within Humber’s academic programs to support the delivery of other essential event components and ensure a high-quality experience for residents and visitors.
Volunteer applications are open now, with opportunities for residents from all backgrounds – newcomers, retirees and multilingual community members are all encouraged to sign up. Early applications are encouraged. Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of applying. Learn more or apply on FIFA’s volunteer webpage: www.fifaworldcup.com/volunteers.
Humber Polytechnic is the second Official Host City Supporter announced by the City, following Ontario Power Generation (OPG) in June.
FIFA World Cup 26™
Toronto will host six FIFA World Cup 26™ matches, kicking off on Friday, June 12, 2026, with the first-ever men’s FIFA World Cup match on Canadian soil, featuring Canada’s Men’s National Team. Toronto is also hosting a round of 32 match on Thursday, July 2, 2026.
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 labor 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.
Pre-registration for FIFA World Cup 26™ ticket information is available through FIFA’s website: www.fifa.com/tickets.
Quotes
“The City of Toronto is proud to welcome Humber Polytechnic as a Host City Supporter for FIFA World Cup 26™. This partnership will support recruiting and training volunteers to deliver a great experience for fans as we showcase Toronto on the world stage. Together, we are building a volunteer program that reflects Toronto’s diversity and spirit, while creating lasting benefits that will continue well beyond the games.”
— Mayor Olivia Chow
“Ontario continues to stand out as a top destination for global sporting events like FIFA World Cup 26™. I want to thank Humber Polytechnic for stepping up as a Host City Supporter for the volunteer program. Their leadership, commitment to community and spirit of collaboration will be key to creating an unforgettable experience for fans and visitors. By harnessing the energy, talent and passion of volunteers across the city, Humber Polytechnic is helping to deliver a world-class experience that will showcase the very best of Ontario to the world.”
— Neil Lumsden, Ontario Minister of Sport
“Ontario’s world-class postsecondary institutions are playing an integral role in shaping the province’s and Canada’s reputation on the global stage. Our government commends Humber Polytechnic’s partnership with the City of Toronto as they lead the charge in delivering a homegrown, exceptional volunteer experience for next year’s World Cup, while equipping students with hands-on work experience to be job ready upon graduation.”
— Nolan Quinn, Ontario Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security
“Humber is proud to partner with the City of Toronto as a Host City Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 26™ Volunteer Program in Toronto, delivering training and services for volunteers while offering world-class, hands-on learning opportunities for our students. This partnership demonstrates our commitment to delivering unparalleled student experiences, empowering learners, faculty and staff to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. Through this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, our students will develop the skills, confidence and lifelong employability that define a Humber education.”
— Ann Marie Vaughan, President and CEO, Humber Polytechnic
About the City of Toronto
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 the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture, 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 www.toronto.ca or follow us on X at x.com/cityoftoronto, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofto.
About Humber Polytechnic
Humber is Canada’s competitive advantage. Like the world around us, we’re constantly in motion, creating a new expectation for education, while helping solve Canada’s wicked productivity problem. More than just a place to learn, it’s a place to belong. Offering the largest depth and breadth of programming to more than 86,000 learners, Humber is pioneering innovative and collaborative approaches to teaching and learning. With the support of our deep-rooted industry connections, dedicated faculty and amazing staff, at Humber, we build brilliance every single day. Visit www.humber.ca to learn more.