Toronto receives $104M from feds for hosting 2026 FIFA World Cup

The federal government announced Toronto will receive $104 million in funding to help the city host six matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and federal Sports Minister Carla Qualtrough provided the funding update on Friday at Toronto’s BMO Field, where the matches will be held. Neil Lumsden, Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, was also in attendance.

“We’re thrilled to receive this funding from the Government of Canada. This support will help Toronto host a winning FIFA World Cup in 2026 and showcase our city to the world,” said Mayor Chow.

“The tournament will leave a lasting legacy, providing economic opportunities, cultural enrichment and a sense of pride in our community. Toronto is ready to shine on the world stage, and we’re grateful for the support to make this a reality.”

In February, the provincial government awarded Toronto $97 million to support hosting games at BMO Field.

FIFA World Cup to bring “economic, cultural and community benefits to Toronto”

Toronto has estimated its part of hosting the elite international soccer competition will cost $380 million, an increase of $80 million compared to a 2022 forecast.

Chow recently announced new oversight and advisory groups to help prepare for the increasingly costly event.

A city spokesperson said hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2026 will bring “significant economic, cultural and community benefits” and create over 3,500 jobs.

Toronto will host six matches that kick off June 12, 2026, including the first-ever FIFA World Cup men’s match on Canadian soil with the opening match of Canada’s Men’s National Team. The games in Toronto conclude with a knockout round of 32 match on July 2, 2026.

Vancouver will also host games at the elite international soccer competition, which Canada is co-hosting with the United States and Mexico.

Officials announced Tuesday that hosting seven World Cup games at BC Place Stadium could cost up to $581 million, more than double the estimate from two years ago.

The combined efforts of Vancouver and Toronto are projected to contribute over $1.2 billion to Canada’s GDP. 

With files from The Canadian Press