News Release
May 12, 2026

With one month to go until the Canadian Men’s National Team opens FIFA World Cup 2026™ in Toronto, the City of Toronto is entering the final phase of preparations for the world’s largest sporting event, including the first FIFA World Cup™ men’s match ever played on Canadian soil.  

Toronto will host six matches at Toronto Stadium between Friday, June 12 and Thursday, July 2, including five group stage matches and a Round of 32 game. The tournament will also showcase Toronto’s diversity through the host city theme, “The World in a City.” 

FIFA Fan Festival™ Toronto
FIFA Fan Festival™ Toronto will serve as the city’s main public celebration site during the tournament, taking place at Fort York National Historic Site and The Bentway across 22 days from Thursday, June 11 to Sunday, July 19. 

The festival will feature live match broadcasts, live entertainment, food and beverage vendors and family-friendly activities. General admission is free, but attendees must reserve a digital ticket in advance.  

The next release of free general admission tickets will be available on Friday, May 15, at 10 a.m. EST. Premium ticket packages, which include enhanced experiences and priority access, are also available. More information is available on the City’s FIFA Fan Festival webpage. 

Tournament readiness across the city
Tournament infrastructure upgrades, including improvements at Toronto Stadium and training facilities at Centennial Park, are helping prepare Toronto to welcome residents, visitors and participating teams from around the world. 

Recent major events at Toronto Stadium are also helping partners test and refine transportation planning, crowd management and event operations ahead of the tournament. 

Tournament-related investments and community programming are intended to create lasting benefits for neighbourhoods across Toronto beyond 2026. 

Toronto’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ Mobility Plan is based on a transit-first approach. Residents and visitors are encouraged to take public transit, walk or cycle where possible and plan ahead for temporary road restrictions near Toronto Stadium, Liberty Village and Fort York during the tournament period. More information is available in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Mobility Plan. 

Community celebrations and citywide participation 

Through the Community Celebration Support Fund, the City is investing $1.7 million in more than 60 local events reflecting “The World in a City,” including programming in Little Jamaica, Little Portugal, Little Italy, Chinatown, Greektown, Roncesvalles Village, the Danforth and Kensington Market. 

More information, including a list of events, is available on the City’s Community Celebration Support Fund Events webpage. 

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ Toronto Host City Volunteer Program, delivered in partnership with Humber Polytechnic, will deploy volunteers to support the FIFA Fan Festival™ and fan engagement initiatives at key locations across the city. In total, over 2,500 volunteers will play a vital role in supporting FIFA and Host City operations at Toronto Stadium and at venues citywide. 

Official Host City Supporters, including Ontario Power Generation, Humber Polytechnic, Toronto FC and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, are also contributing to tournament delivery and fan experiences through funding, activations, programming and in-kind support. 

Co-ordinated city services and safety planning
City divisions, emergency services and government partners continue to co-ordinate planning and operations to support a safe and well-managed tournament experience for residents and visitors. 

Planning includes coordination across policing, emergency services, transportation and event operations, supported by a Joint Information Centre to help ensure timely public information during the tournament. Residents and visitors can continue to contact 311 for non-emergency City service requests. 

Additional information about events, getting around and City services during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ is available on the City's FIFA World Cup 26 website. 

Quotes: 

“The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase Toronto to the world. As we count down to kickoff, the City and its partners are focused on delivering a safe, well-coordinated and memorable experience for residents and visitors.”
— Mayor Olivia Chow 

“This summer, Toronto will welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, bringing Canadians and visitors together for a truly historic moment. From match days at Toronto Stadium to the FIFA Fan Festival™, this tournament will showcase the very best of our country and create lasting memories for communities across Toronto and Canada. Sport is one of our greatest nation-building tools, and our government is proud to work with partners to deliver a safe, secure and welcoming experience.”
— The Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport) and Canada’s FIFA Sherpa 

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.

Media Relations