Canada’s largest city will make history when it hosts the first men’s FIFA World Cup match ever played on Canadian soil.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Toronto welcomes six matches during the 2026 tournament at BMO Field, known as Toronto Stadium during the competition, including Canada’s opening fixture.
Set on the shores of Lake Ontario, Toronto combines world-class sport with a multicultural food scene, diverse neighbourhoods and some of Canada’s most recognisable landmarks.
From the CN Tower to bustling waterfront districts, visitors will find a city that reflects FIFA’s description of Toronto as “The World in a City”.
World Cup fixtures in Toronto
Toronto will host World Cup six matches at Toronto Stadium (BMO Field), including five group-stage games and one Round of 32 fixture.
Canada’s men’s national team will begin their home World Cup campaign here on 12 June against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- 12 June – Group B: Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
- 17 June – Group L: Ghana vs Panama
- 20 June – Group E: Germany vs Côte d’Ivoire
- 23 June – Group L: Croatia vs Panama
- 26 June – Group I: Senegal vs Iraq
- 2 July: Round of 32
Toronto’s sporting culture
Toronto is one of North America’s leading sports cities. The city is home to MLB’s Toronto Blue Jays, NBA franchise Toronto Raptors, NHL side Toronto Maple Leafs, MLS club Toronto FC and the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts.
Sporting landmarks include Rogers Centre, Scotiabank Arena and BMO Field, while the city has hosted events ranging from NBA Finals and MLB post-season games to international football tournaments.
Landmarks and places to see
The CN Tower remains Toronto‘s signature attraction, offering panoramic views across Lake Ontario and the city skyline. Nearby, visitors can explore the revitalised waterfront, catch a ferry to the Toronto Islands or visit St. Lawrence Market, regularly ranked among the world’s best food markets.
The historic Distillery District offers Victorian-era architecture, galleries and restaurants, while Kensington Market showcases Toronto’s multicultural character.
Art lovers can explore the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Royal Ontario Museum, while sports fans may want to catch a Blue Jays game at Rogers Centre between World Cup matches.
Food scene
Toronto’s food scene mirrors its multicultural population. More than half of residents were born outside Canada, helping create one of the world’s most diverse culinary landscapes.
Visitors can sample authentic Chinese cuisine in Scarborough and Markham, Italian restaurants in Little Italy, Caribbean food in Little Jamaica and South Asian dishes in neighbourhoods such as Gerrard India Bazaar.
The city is also known for its thriving brunch culture, craft breweries and modern Canadian restaurants that showcase Ontario produce.
Fan zones
The official FIFA Fan Festival Toronto at the Fort York & The Bentway will run throughout the tournament, featuring live match broadcasts on giant screens, cultural performances, food vendors and entertainment.
Organisers describe it as a celebration of Toronto’s “The World in a City” identity, bringing together local communities and visiting supporters in a festival atmosphere beyond the stadium. The fan festival site is within easy reach of downtown and public transport.
Transportation options
Toronto has one of the most extensive public transport systems in North America. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates subway, streetcar and bus services across the city, while GO Transit connects downtown with surrounding regions.
World Cup organisers are strongly encouraging supporters to use public transport, walk or cycle rather than drive, particularly around matchdays when road restrictions will be in place near the stadium and fan festival areas. Union Station serves as the city’s main transport hub and offers easy connections to BMO Field.
Stadium tips
Toronto Stadium will have a tournament capacity of approximately 45,700 following temporary World Cup upgrades. Located at Exhibition Place on the Lake Ontario waterfront, the venue is home to Toronto FC and the Toronto Argonauts.
Fans should plan to arrive early, particularly for Canada’s opening match, and use TTC streetcars or GO Transit services from Union Station. Nearby Liberty Village offers plenty of restaurants, bars and cafés before and after matches, while the waterfront trails provide scenic walking routes to and from the stadium.
