Canada announces $104M funding for Toronto to host FIFA World Cup matches in 2026

Canada is excited to be partnering with Mexico and the US as hosts of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. Canadians were thrilled to learn in February that we’d be hosting 13 matches, 6 here in Toronto and seven in Vancouver, and I’m here today to announce the federal government’s contribution towards Toronto’s matches. On June 12th, 2026, Toronto will host the first of the 13 matches that will take place in Toronto and Vancouver. This will be the first ever FIFA’s Men’s World Cup game to be played in Canada. In the opening match for our very own Team Canada, what a game that will be, and it will be right here at BMO Field or as it will be known during the 2026 World Cup Toronto Stadium. By welcoming people from around the world to one of Canada’s most vibrant and culturally diverse cities, Toronto will set an impressive stage to Canada. As host of this international tournament, FIFA 2026 will also generate significant economic impact here in Toronto, in Vancouver and across the country. In fact, it’s estimated that feed fuel will generate more than $2 billion in overall economic activity for Canada, including $395,000,000 in projected visitor spending and about 350 million in tax revenues across the country. And this doesn’t even include the billions of viewers who’ll be tuning in to watch from around the world, bringing international attention to Canada. FIFA 2026 will unite our country like nothing else can. I mean, you don’t see all three levels of government like this often. So you know, that’s the power of sport. Bring us together through our love of sport and healthy competition. Canadians from coast to coast to coast will be cheering on Team Canada as well as teams from around the world. The diversity and multiculturalism of our great country makes Canada an ideal host country and Toronto a prime host city. Canada is home to the world and in 2026 the world will feel right at home here. And perhaps most importantly, FIFA 2026 will inspire our kids to dream big. So it’s for all these reasons that the Government of Canada. Is proud to provide 104.3 four $1,000,000 in funding for the Toronto 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. Thank you. This contribution will support the operation and capital expenses of these matches. Combined with 116.66 million contribution towards Vancouver’s matches that we announced on Tuesday, this represents an overall federal investment of $220 million in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.