BMO Field gussy-up for 2026 FIFA extravaganza

Image: BMO Field and City of Toronto

The Men’s FIFA World Cup™ is nearly a year away and the downtown Toronto (Canada) stadium that will play host to six tournament matches is getting a nearly $150 million facelift.

‘CBC’ stated that at an announcement made recently the City revealed plans to upgrade the BMO Field in Toronto (Canada) which is owned by the City and managed by the Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) into a premier venue capable of hosting the world’s largest soccer tournament. The City and the MLSE are spending $123 million and $23 million, respectively.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup™, marketed as the FIFA World Cup 26™, will be the 23rd FIFA World Cup™, the quadrennial international men’s soccer championship contested by the national teams of the member associations of FIFA. The tournament will take place from June 11^th-July 19^th, 2026. It will be jointly hosted by 16 Cities in three North American countries and the majority of the matches will take place in the United States while Canada and Mexico will host selected matches. The tournament will be the first hosted by three nations and the first North American World Cup since 1994.

The 28,180-capacity BMO Field is an outdoor stadium located at the Exhibition Place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Constructed on the former 43,737-capacity Exhibition Stadium site and first opened in 2007 it is the home field of the Toronto FC of the Major League Soccer (MLS) and the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

Image: BMO Field and City of Toronto

Midtown Manhattan-based the Major League Soccer (MLS) is a professional soccer league in North America and the highest level of the United States soccer league system. It comprises 30 teams with 27 in the United States and three in Canada.

The Canadian Football League (CFL) is a professional Canadian football league in Canada. It comprises nine teams divided into two divisions with four teams in the East Division and five in the West Division. The CFL is the highest professional level of Canadian football in the world. The league is headquartered in Toronto.

Toronto (Canada)-based the Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Limited (MLSE) is Canada’s pre-eminent leader in delivering top quality sport and entertainment experiences to its fans. The MLSE is one of North America’s leading providers of exceptional experiences.

‘CBC’ further stated that the stadium’s seating capacity is being increased from close to 30,000 to 45,000 – with 17,000 temporary seats being added to the grandstands at the North and South ends of the field – bringing it up to FIFA World Cup™ standards.

Image: BMO Field and City of Toronto

 

Lasting Legacy

‘TORONTO’ stated that the upgrades will enhance the stadium infrastructure, the technology and the overall appeal ensuring the BMO Field remains a premier sports and entertainment venue. Beyond the tournament’s economic, cultural and community benefits these renovations will create a lasting legacy.
 
BMO Field Enhancements:

• The player spaces and the locker rooms will be enhanced to accommodate the international teams for the six World Cup matches;
• The stadium’s broadcast infrastructure will be upgraded to support the international television coverage required for the tournament;
• Four new light-emitting diode (LED) videoboards will be added to the stadium’s corner columns to enhance fan engagement and visibility. New LED sports lighting and an upgraded audio system will elevate the overall matchday experience;
• Self-serve technology, including generative artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision at the select concession stands will improve checkout lines so that the fans can spend more time enjoying the action;
• The stadium’s Wi-Fi will be upgraded to accommodate the stadium’s increased fan capacity;
• A state-of-the-art kitchen on the West side will serve the fans quickly and efficiently complemented by additional concession stands across the venue;
• The field will undergo a comprehensive upgrade to meet world-class standards and new team dugouts will be added to accommodate future international events;
• A new center-field lounge will be added on the stadium’s West side to complement renovations to the existing West Suites as well as the addition of new North Suites; and
• After FIFA World Cup 26™ a ticketed rooftop patio with a 1,000-person capacity will be added.

 
The transformation of the BMO Stadium will occur in two phases:

• Phase 1 began in December 2024 during the off-seasons of Toronto FC and the Toronto Argonauts with construction continuing through to August 2025; and
• Phase 2 will take place from December 2025 to March 2026 ensuring that all enhancements are completed in time for the FIFA World Cup 26™.

 
‘TORONTO’ further stated that as renovations take place the BMO Field will remain open at capacity for all scheduled events. During portions of the 2025 Toronto FC and Argonauts seasons the fans will be directed to use the Southern gates for entry and exit as work on the North grandstands take place.

Image: BMO Field and City of Toronto

Additionally, a temporary videoboard will be in place on the North side until early Spring. During the construction period the fans are encouraged to allow more time for entry and to consult their email communications or the website to plan their visit.

In December 2024 the FIFA released an economic impact assessment prepared by Deloitte Canada estimating that FIFA World Cup 26™ could generate up to $940 million in positive economic output for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). This includes a projected $520 million in gross domestic product (GDP) growth, $340 million in labor income and $25 million in Government revenue. The tournament is also expected to create over 6,600 jobs between June 2023 and August 2026 providing a substantial boost to the region’s economy.

Toronto will host six FIFA World Cup 26™ matches kicking off on June 12^th, 2026 with the first-ever men’s FIFA World Cup™ match on Canadian soil featuring the Canada’s Men’s National Team. Toronto is also hosting a round of 32 match on July 2^nd, 2026.

Observed Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto, “Sport brings us together as Torontonians and Canadians. As we prepare to host FIFA World Cup 26™ we’re investing in infrastructure for Toronto’s future. We are supporting Team Canada while investing in the next generation of great Canadian athletes.”

Image: BMO Field and City of Toronto

Stated Sharon Bollenbach, Executive Director, FIFA World Cup 26™ Toronto Secretariat, City of Toronto, “Toronto is not just preparing for a tournament the City is shaping a legacy that will resonate for generations. The transformation of the 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 the Torontonians long after the tournament ends. The upgrades to the BMO Field ensure we position Toronto as an outstanding host for the FIFA World Cup 26™ while also creating a lasting impact on our community’s cultural and economic future.”
 

Host Cities

‘BMO FIELD’ stated that the FIFA has announced that Toronto and Vancouver will be the Canadian Host Cities for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ joining 11 Host Cities in the United States and three Host Cities in Mexico as competition venues for the largest FIFA World Cup™ in history.

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