Toronto Gears Up for 300,000 Fans as World Cup Fever Hits Canada’s Largest City
By Akpo Esco
Canada’s largest and most diverse city will host six matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, kicking off Friday with the host nation facing Bosnia and Herzegovina at Toronto Stadium.
“The energy is building across the city. Toronto is ready, and we are excited to welcome the world,” said Sharon Bollenbach, the city’s World Cup executive director.
Security will match the occasion. Deputy Chief Robert Johnson confirmed Toronto Police will stage “the largest deployment in the service’s history”, with tens of thousands of officers on duty. An estimated 300,000 visitors are expected during the tournament.
“Our role is clear: deliver a safe and secure experience while showcasing Toronto as a world-class host city,” Johnson said.
City officials are pushing fans toward public transit. The TTC will expand train, bus and streetcar services, while GO Transit adds extra trains. Roads around the downtown stadium will face heavy restrictions, with no public parking at Toronto Stadium or nearby residential streets.
“The FIFA World Cup is one of the largest sporting events on earth, and we have a plan to keep the city moving,” said Andrew Posluns, Toronto’s chief congestion officer.
Toronto Stadium, home of Toronto FC and the CFL’s Argonauts, is the smallest venue at the 2026 World Cup. A $100m+ renovation added 17,000 temporary seats, lifting capacity to FIFA’s 45,000 minimum.
No ticket? No problem. Pubs, bars and fan zones across the city will screen all matches live.
Visitors can also take in the CN Tower, Lake Ontario, and Toronto’s cultural neighborhoods. In Old Town Toronto, “The Great Beaver Quest” will send fans hunting for 51 beaver statues hidden across the district.
“This area is super multicultural, so you’ll see fans from almost every qualified nation showing pride for their country,” said Robyn Posner of the Old Town Toronto BIA.
Kickoff Friday, and Toronto’s World Cup story begins.
