Toronto/CMEDIA: Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and Federal Minister of Sport and Physical Activity Carla Qualtrough, joined by Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Neil Lumsden unveiled last week $104.34 million in federal funding in support of hosting six games in the FIFA World Cup 26™ (FWC26).
Intended to enhance the infrastructure and logistics necessary to ensure the successful hosting of the event, the Provincial government announced in February $97 million in funding.
Six matches in the FWC26 kicking off June 12, 2026 will be hosted by Toronto, including the first-ever FIFA World Cup™ men’s match of Canada’s Men’s National Team.
The games in Toronto conclude with a knockout round of 32 matches on July 2, 2026.
Besides bringing significant economic, cultural and community benefits to Toronto the City’s long-term recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and benefiting the tourism, hospitality and entertainment sectors, the City’s global profile would also be enhanced by hosting the FIFA World Cup.
The City is working with partners to ensure that any public investment yields significant legacies and community benefits for Torontonians.
The FWC26 games in Toronto are anticipated to generate approximately $393 million in gross domestic product (GDP) for the city by creating over 3,585 jobs, attracting more than 300,000 out-of-town visitors, and also benefit Ontario with over $456 million in GDP.
Vancouver and Toronto’s combined efforts are projected to contribute over $1.2 billion to Canada’s GDP with over 3.5 billion people watching the FIFA World Cup every four years.
