A FIFA delegation is in Toronto today as it works to determine which cities will be selected to host games during the 2026 World Cup.
Toronto is on a shortlist of 23 potential host sites in Canada, Mexico and the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
As part of the North America United bid, Toronto is in consideration to host multiple games and major fan events across the city for the duration of the 30-day tournament.
“Today, along with all of our partners we had the opportunity to showcase our great city and all of the service we can provide FIFA, athletes, fans and other stakeholders if they choose Toronto as a host city,” Toronto Mayor John Tory said in a press release.
“We have the capacity and facilities to create a unique and exciting event in 2026 and I know that our partners, city ambassadors and residents will play a key role in making this possible.”
Potential host cities undergo an in-depth review of venues, infrastructure, readiness and capabilities during host city visits from FIFA subject matter experts.
“Hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 would be an unrivaled opportunity to champion Ontario as a global destination for blockbuster sport events while creating thousands of jobs and injecting hundreds of millions of dollars into the provincial economy,” Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Lisa MacLeod said.
“Over the coming months, Ontario will continue working closely with Canada Soccer, the City of Toronto and the federal government. On behalf of the Premier, and the Government of Ontario, we want the world to know that Ontario is once again open for business, open for athletes and open for visitors and we are prepared to compete on the world stage.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup host cities are expected to be announced early next year. The exact dates of the tournament have not yet been set.