It's FIFA fever!
You'll be able to watch the world's most-watched sporting event — the World Cup, right here in Toronto.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to Canada — finally. Now, it's expected Toronto, Edmonton and Montreal will have the chance to host games, with Toronto expected to get between three and four games during the knockout rounds.
Back in January, Toronto Mayor John Tory had publicly endorsed a city staff report to move forward with a bid to host games for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Wednesday his dream became a reality.
"We won!" tweeted the mayor.
FIFA’s member associations have voted 134 to 65 (with one no-vote), in favour of the joint North American bid by Canada, the U.S. and Mexico to host the 2026 World Cup. This news just came out of the FIFA Congress in Moscow.
North America's team effort won out over Morocco.
Tory would like the city to host as many games as possible.
A January report by Toronto city staff estimated the 2026 World Cup would cost the city between $30 million and $45 million.
Not included in that price tag: security. The city expects the provincial and federal governments to contribute to those costs.
Nonetheless, that same report also saw great benefits for the City of Toronto.
It states, "Held every four years, the World Cup is recognized for generating significant economic, cultural and community benefits for its host cities and country, and increasing host cities' profiles on the world stage."
BMO Field would host the games. FIFA may request more seating and amenities, however. So Exhibition Place stadium may also be part of the 2026 World Cup.
The report also indicates smaller soccer fields in Toronto could be used as training and practice facilities.
