Toronto’s BMO field getting $150M facelift ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup | CBC News
The men’s FIFA World Cup is nearly a year away, and the downtown Toronto stadium that will play host to six tournament matches is getting a nearly $150-million facelift.
On Monday, the city revealed plans to upgrade BMO Field, which is owned by the city and managed by Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), into a “state-of-the-art venue” capable of hosting the world’s largest soccer tournament, according to a news release. The city and MLSE are spending $123 million and $23 million, respectively.
“The transformation of BMO Field exemplifies the City’s commitment to providing world-class facilities for FIFA World Cup 26 with a view to enriching the sports and recreation opportunities for Torontonians long after the tournament ends,” Sharon Bollenbach, executive director of FIFA World Cup 2026 Toronto, said in the release.
The stadium’s seating capacity is being increased from about 31,000 to 45,000 — with 17,000 temporary seats being added on grandstands at the north and south ends of the field.
Permanent changes include four new videoboards as well as upgrades to locker rooms, lighting, audio, broadcast infrastructure and stadium Wi-Fi, the release says.
Scheduled games to continue, some gates could be closed
A new rooftop patio with capacity for 1,000 fans will be added to the north side of the stadium, along with a new centre-field lounge on the stadium’s west side, the city says.
Then there’s the field itself, which “will undergo a comprehensive upgrade to meet world-class standards,” the release says.
Construction will be completed in two phases, the city says, with the first already underway and ending in August. The second phase will take place from December 2025 to March 2026 to ensure enhancements are completed in time for the first tournament match in June 2026.
“The exciting changes to the stadium not only elevate the experience for FIFA World Cup 26 but are also intentionally designed to permanently benefit Toronto sports fans for the future,” MLSE CEO Nick Eaves said in the release.
During renovations, scheduled events like Toronto FC and Argonauts games will continue without interruption, the city says. Fans should plan ahead though, the city says, as construction could impact what gates are open and closed during games.
Every stadium among the 16 North American host cities is getting upgrades, Canadian soccer officials said last year.
Cost of hosting more than 10 times what was projected
Hosting the tournament is expected to cost the city of Toronto $380 million, according to a 2024 report, a long way from the initial projected costs in 2018 of $30 to $45 million.
The provincial and federal governments have committed roughly $100 million each to help the city pay for the hosting gig.
The city expects the tournament will boost Toronto’s GDP by nearly $400 million, though FIFA released an economic impact assessment in December that estimated that figure would be closer to $520 million. FIFA also estimated the tournament would contribute $340 million in income for labourers and $25 million to government revenue, according to Monday’s release.
When Toronto first proposed hosting some of the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches five years ago, a city report estimated the cost at between $30 and $45 million. A new city staff estimate puts the cost at roughly $380 million.
In 2023, the city signed a letter of intenet addressed to MLSE that says the company will serve as the project manager for upgrades to BMO Field and the MLSE training facilities in Toronto’s north end.
The city will split net revenue with MLSE up to $10 million, according to the 2023 letter. If revenues exceed $10 million they will be split 60 per cent for the city and 40 per cent for MLSE.
Tourney starts June 2026; Toronto 1 of 16 host cities
The tournament kicks off June 11 with two matches in Mexico, which will host 13 matches at three different venues.
The next day, Toronto will host the first-ever men’s FIFA World Cup match to be played in Canada.
Toronto will split Canada’s hosting duties with Vancouver. Each city will host five round robin games. The cities will each stage a Round of 32 knockout game with Vancouver also hosting a Round of 16 match.
Toronto and Vancouver have been chosen as two of the cities set to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be played across North America.
The remaining 78 matches will be played in 11 different U.S. cities, including the championship match in New Jersey.
The 104-match schedule will stretch out over six weeks during June and July of 2026.
