Toronto prepares to make history by hosting the first men's World Cup match on Canadian soil

Toronto —
The city of Toronto is preparing to write a new chapter in the history of Canadian sports as it hosts the first match in the men's FIFA World Cup finals held on Canadian soil, as part of the 2026 World Cup hosted by Canada in partnership with the United States and Mexico.

Canada's largest city will host six matches at BMO Field, which will be known during the tournament as Toronto Stadium, including the opening match of the Canadian national team in front of its fans, in an event expected to be one of the highlights of modern Canadian sports.

Toronto is one of the most prominent multicultural global cities, where sports, tourism, culture, and entertainment blend, making it an ideal destination to welcome thousands of fans coming from all over the world.

World Cup Matches in Toronto

The city will host five group stage matches in addition to one round of 32 match, according to the following schedule:

June 12: Canada × Bosnia and Herzegovina (Group B)
June 17: Ghana × Panama (Group L)
June 20: Germany × Ivory Coast (Group E)
June 23: Croatia × Panama (Group L)
June 26: Senegal × Iraq (Group F)
July 2: Round of 32 match
The opening match of the Canadian national team receives exceptional attention, as it will be the first men's World Cup match held on Canadian soil.

A City That Loves Sports

Toronto enjoys a solid sports status in North America, hosting some of the most famous professional teams, including Toronto Raptors, Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Blue Jays, and Toronto FC.

The city also has extensive experience in hosting major sporting events, including international tournaments and finals in various sports.

Top Tourist Attractions

The CN Tower is the city's most prominent landmark, offering panoramic views of Lake Ontario and the city skyline.

Visitors can also enjoy the waterfront, visit St. Lawrence Market, explore the historic Distillery District, or stroll through Kensington Market, which reflects the city's unique cultural diversity.

For culture and art lovers, the city offers notable options such as the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Royal Ontario Museum.

Getting to the Stadium

Toronto Stadium is conveniently located within the Exhibition Place complex on the city's waterfront, and its capacity will increase to about 45,700 spectators during the tournament after temporary expansions for the World Cup.

Fans are advised to use public transportation, especially via the Toronto Transit Commission and the GO Transit network, with Union Station serving as the main access point to the stadium.

The nearby Liberty Village neighborhood also offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and entertainment activities before and after matches.

As the tournament approaches, Toronto is set for a historic event that is not only about hosting World Cup matches but also represents an opportunity to showcase the city's and Canada's status on the global sports stage to hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide.