As preparations for the FIFA 2026 World Cup gain momentum, Toronto’s BMO Field is undergoing significant renovations to align with the tournament’s requirements. The city of Toronto and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment recently shared updates on the ongoing enhancements at the stadium.
Nick Eaves, MLSE’s chief venues and operations officer, expressed pride in hosting Canada’s men’s national soccer team’s first match. He emphasized the excitement of being one of the 16 host cities and showcasing Toronto to a massive global audience during the event.
In June 2022, FIFA granted Toronto the privilege of hosting five initial round matches and one playoff round game during the 2026 World Cup, commencing on June 12. Vancouver, Mexico, and the U.S. will also host matches as part of the tournament.
MLSE is collaborating with the city to expand BMO Field to comply with FIFA standards for the World Cup matches. Eaves highlighted the substantial effort required to prepare for the biggest global sporting event ever.
Sharon Bollenbach, the executive director for the FIFA World Cup 26 Toronto Secretariat, announced the completion of phase one renovations, including permanent features like luxury suites, an upgraded video production control room, and a new kitchen. Notably, four state-of-the-art video boards measuring approximately 9 by 15 meters, with over five million pixels, have been installed to enhance the fan experience.
The second phase, commencing in December, will involve adding 17,000 temporary seats to increase the venue’s capacity to 45,000, meeting FIFA’s criteria. Post-event, the temporary seating in the hospitality area will be transformed into a rooftop patio for ongoing use.
Plans for managing traffic and crowds during the World Cup are still being finalized, with the mobility plan dependent on match schedules. Bollenbach highlighted the collaboration of various entities, including TTC, Metrolinx, the city, and players, in developing the mobility strategy. Limited parking will be available, encouraging fans to utilize public transportation options such as transit, walking, biking, and rideshare services.
The countdown is on for the completion of phase two before the Women’s Northern Super League championship match on Nov. 17. The deadline to hand over the stadium to FIFA is May 12, 2026, necessitating intensive work in the coming months to ensure readiness for the prestigious event.