When the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off, Toronto will stand at the center of the action as one of two Canadian host cities. For the first time in history, Canada will stage World Cup matches on its soil, and BMO Field — expanded to fit nearly 46,000 fans — will set the stage for Canada’s opener on June 12. For Toronto, a city of more than seven million in the Greater Toronto Area, the World Cup is not just about ninety minutes of football. It’s a chance to showcase its energy, culture, and global character to millions of visitors.
Toronto has long been a sports-mad city. Its fans have packed arenas for the Maple Leafs, Raptors, and Blue Jays. But when it comes to soccer, Toronto has developed a reputation that surprises outsiders: generations of immigrants have turned every World Cup into a citywide holiday. In 2026, that passion will finally align with the world’s biggest sporting event.
The Matches That Will Define Toronto’s World Cup
Toronto will host six games at BMO Field, beginning with Canada’s group stage opener on June 12. Additional fixtures are scheduled for June 17, 20, 23, and 26, followed by a Round of 32 knockout clash on July 2.
BMO Field is a natural fit for FIFA. Sitting on the Lake Ontario waterfront at Exhibition Place, the stadium is surrounded by transit links, nightlife districts, and parks. Temporary seating will lift its usual MLS capacity to more than 45,000. For Canadian fans, seeing the men’s national team walk onto home soil in a World Cup opener will be historic. For visitors, the venue’s accessibility and location mean you’ll never be far from the heart of the city.
Game Day Essentials
Reaching BMO Field is simple. Union Station, Toronto’s main transit hub, is connected by GO trains and TTC streetcars to the Exhibition Loop, just steps from the stadium. Streetcars on the 509 and 511 lines are the fastest, while the walk from downtown takes about 45 minutes if you want to stretch your legs. Driving is discouraged; traffic and parking around Exhibition Place will be intense.
Security will be strict. Fans should expect heavy bag checks and arrive early to avoid missing kickoff. Toronto is a safe, walkable city, but standard precautions apply: watch valuables on transit and in packed crowds.
If you don’t have tickets, the official FIFA Fan Festival will take over Fort York and The Bentway, west of downtown. With giant screens, live music, cultural performances, and endless food stalls, it promises to be one of the city’s hottest gatherings. And the best part? It’s free.
Related content: Toronto Turns Up the Volume: Fan Festival to Electrify Downtown During World Cup 2026
Where Soccer Lives in Toronto
Toronto’s soccer soul has always been fueled by its diversity. More than half of residents were born outside Canada, and their roots stretch across the 48 nations competing in 2026. Expect neighborhoods like Little Italy, Little Portugal, and the Danforth to erupt into impromptu street festivals after big wins.
Supporter culture already thrives thanks to Toronto FC. Groups like the Red Patch Boys, U-Sector, and Inebriatti fill BMO Field with flags, chants, and smoke. In 2026, their traditions will mix with visiting fans, creating a soundtrack unlike any other Canadian sports event.
For those who prefer a pub atmosphere, the city offers an unmatched roster of soccer bars:
- Café Diplomatico on College Street, the unofficial home of Italian fans.
- Scotland Yard Pub, a downtown institution and hub for Tottenham supporters.
- Real Sports Bar & Grill, next to Scotiabank Arena, boasting a 39-foot screen and seating for over 1,000 fans.
- Amigos da Dundas, in Little Portugal, where Brazilian and Portuguese fans turn every match into a carnival.
- The Dock Ellis, beloved by Arsenal supporters and Toronto’s creative crowd.
Wherever you land, expect chants, flags, and strangers becoming friends over a pint.
Beyond the Pitch: Exploring the City
Toronto is not just a backdrop for matches; it’s one of North America’s most vibrant cities. The CN Tower dominates the skyline, and its EdgeWalk lets the brave lean out over the city’s edge at 356 meters (1,168 feet) above ground. Just steps away, Ripley’s Aquarium offers an underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks and stingrays — a family-friendly escape between matches.
The Distillery Historic District, with its cobblestone streets, craft breweries, and art galleries, is another must. Kensington Market, on the other hand, explodes with street art, vintage shops, and multicultural food stalls.
If the heat of summer calls for a retreat, hop on the ferry to the Toronto Islands. Just minutes from downtown, the islands offer beaches, bike rentals, and some of the best skyline views you’ll find during the tournament.
History buffs should not miss Fort York, Canada’s largest collection of War of 1812 buildings. Coincidentally, it will also be the beating heart of Toronto’s Fan Fest.
Eat, Drink, Celebrate
Toronto is a true culinary mosaic. In St. Lawrence Market, the city’s historic food hall, you’ll find the famed peameal bacon sandwich. Chinatown buzzes with dim sum joints, while Kensington Market offers everything from Chilean empanadas to Caribbean patties.
Soccer will influence where people eat and drink. Italian fans crowd patios in Little Italy, Brazilians turn Dundas Street into a samba line, and Greek fans fill the Danforth with blue and white. It’s not just about the match — it’s about the meal that follows.
For a global tasting tour, wander along Queen Street West and Ossington Avenue. Trendy restaurants, craft cocktail bars, and murals reflecting the city’s soccer heritage line these streets.
Where to Stay
World Cup demand means accommodations will be tight, so booking early is essential. Fortunately, Toronto offers options for every fan’s budget:
- Hotel X Toronto, at Exhibition Place, is the closest to BMO Field and offers luxury amenities like a rooftop pool and spa.
- Le Germain Hotel Maple Leaf Square, steps from Scotiabank Arena, immerses guests in Toronto’s sports culture.
- Downtown core hotels near Union Station offer walkability and easy transit access.
- Airbnb and boutique rentals in Liberty Village and Queen West provide a more local vibe within walking distance of the stadium.
The Legacy of 2026
For Toronto, the World Cup is more than a month of soccer. It’s a stage to showcase the city’s multicultural heartbeat, its passion for sport, and its ability to bring people together. From the roar inside BMO Field to the cheers on patios along College Street, the experience promises to be unforgettable.
As Canada’s largest city, Toronto is ready to deliver a tournament that blends football with food, history with nightlife, and tradition with innovation. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter traveling thousands of miles or a casual fan discovering the sport for the first time, Toronto will make you feel like you’re part of something bigger.
The final whistle of July 2026 will mark the end of matches here, but for those who lived it, Toronto will always be remembered as a World Cup city where the world truly came to play.
Portrait photo: Depositphotos
