The City of Toronto has announced Fort York and The Bentway as host locations for the FIFA Fan Festival as it gears up to host FIFA World Cup 26 matches with only a little over a year to go.
The city says the locations will be used to broadcast live matches on large screens, diverse cultural performances, interactive installations, and a variety of local foods.
According to a media release from the city, the fan festival will be used as a free and inclusive space for fans and visitors during the highlight anticipated world cup.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says both locations are ideal for hosting the FIFA Fan Festival.
“This iconic venue reflects our city’s rich history while providing a dynamic space for fans to connect and celebrate their love of soccer, right in the heart of our city,” she said in the media release on Wednesday.
Toronto is set to be the first Canadian city in history to host a world cup match, in total the city will host six matches kicking off on June 12, 2026, featuring the Canada’s Men’s National Team.
Read More
Read More
Canada’s men soccer team has competed in the world cup twice, the first time being in 1986 and most recently in 2022.
The games will be hosted in Toronto’s BMO field which is home to the Toronto Argonauts, Toronto FC, and both of Canada’s Men and Women’s National Soccer Team.
The event could generate up to $940 million in economic output for the city and the rest of the GTA, according to an economic impact assessment by FIFA,.
The City of Toronto and Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment announced earlier this year that nearly $150 million will be spent to upgrade BMO field, which MLSE operates, into a venue suitable to host the world cup, which includes increasing capacity.
The FIFA fan festival will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
The FIFA World Cup 26 final is scheduled for July 19 in New Jersey.
