The City of Toronto has greenlit a significant expansion project for BMO Field in preparation for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, as reported by The Toronto Star. With the global tournament drawing nearer, the city has allocated $37 million towards temporarily increasing the stadium’s capacity to meet FIFA’s requirements of accommodating over 45,000 fans.
City council unanimously voted in favor of the temporary expansion contract, which entails the installation of 17,500 additional seats that will be dismantled after the conclusion of the World Cup matches. Alongside the seating enhancements, the project includes the setup of broadcast studios, staircases, and an elevator to ensure optimal functionality and accessibility during the event.
The contract for the expansion project was awarded to Arena Event Services, a firm based in the United Arab Emirates, which will collaborate with local suppliers to execute the undertaking efficiently. City councillor Paul Ainslie, chair of the committee overseeing the project, emphasized the economic benefits that hosting the World Cup will bring to Toronto, highlighting the anticipated influx of tourists and their contributions to the local economy.
Ainslie remarked, “I’m hoping we’re going to have lots of tourists, they’re going to come to Toronto, spend their money, make our investment worthwhile,” underscoring the rationale behind the city’s investment in the stadium expansion.
The Ontario government has also pledged conditional support for Toronto’s FIFA World Cup hosting duties, committing to provide up to $97 million for the event. Toronto is slated to host five games during the tournament, joining Vancouver as Canadian host cities alongside various locations across the United States and Mexico.
In early December, Deputy Tourism, Culture, and Sport Minister Sarah Harrison reaffirmed Ontario’s backing for the event in correspondence with Toronto’s city manager. BMO Field, owned by the City of Toronto, is operated and managed by Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment, serving as the home venue for the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts and Major League Soccer (MLS) club Toronto FC.
