As preparations for the FIFA 2026 World Cup gain momentum, Toronto’s BMO Field is undergoing significant renovations to meet the tournament’s standards. The city of Toronto and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment recently disclosed details about the ongoing enhancements at the venue.
Nick Eaves, MLSE’s chief venues and operations officer, expressed excitement about hosting the inaugural match for the Canada men’s national soccer team. He emphasized the privilege of being one of the 16 host cities and the opportunity to showcase Toronto to a massive global audience during the tournament.
In June 2022, Toronto was granted the rights by FIFA to host five first-round games and one playoff match during the 2026 World Cup, commencing on June 12. Additional games will be held in Vancouver, Mexico, and the United States.
Eaves highlighted the collaborative efforts between MLSE and the city to expand BMO Field to meet FIFA’s stringent requirements, emphasizing the magnitude of preparing for the largest global sporting event ever.
Sharon Bollenbach, executive director of the FIFA World Cup 26 Toronto Secretariat, announced the completion of phase one renovations, which included permanent upgrades such as luxury suites, an enhanced video production control room, and a new kitchen. She particularly praised the installation of four large video boards as a significant legacy investment to enhance the fan experience beyond the World Cup.
The upcoming second phase, set to commence in December, poses a challenge as it involves adding 17,000 temporary seats to increase the venue’s capacity to 45,000 in compliance with FIFA standards. Bollenbach highlighted that while the seating is temporary, certain elements will remain post-tournament, enhancing the overall stadium experience.
Regarding transportation and crowd management during the event, officials are finalizing a mobility plan that will be contingent on match schedules. Bollenbach mentioned the involvement of various stakeholders, including public transit agencies, the city, and players, in refining the mobility plan. Fans will be encouraged to utilize alternative transportation methods due to limited parking, with transportation hubs planned for GO service and increased TTC streetcar service.
Phase two construction will commence after the Women’s Northern Super League championship match on Nov. 15, with the goal of completing all renovations by May 12, 2026, in preparation for the World Cup. Eaves expressed readiness for the upcoming tasks, acknowledging the tight timeline for stadium handover to FIFA.
