What to know
- The federal government is allocating up to $145 million to support safety and security operations in Toronto and Vancouver during the World Cup.
- The funding responds to specific needs identified by host cities and provinces, as officials prepare for one of the largest sporting events Canada has hosted.
- The announcement comes amid debate over Fan Fest costs, with Toronto previously considering paid entry to cover security before shifting toward sponsorship to keep most access free.
With the World Cup just over 40 days away, the federal government is sending $145 million in funding to support safety during the event’s operations in Toronto and Vancouver.
The extra funding was announced on Wednesday by Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree, Ontario’s Solicitor General Michael Kerzner, and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow.
According to the government, the money responds to “specific operational needs” reported by the host provinces and cities to support safety and security resources during the tournament.
“The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be one of the largest and most complex sporting events ever hosted in Canada. This investment reflects our commitment to public safety, to supporting our partners on the ground, and to ensuring that Canadians and visitors alike can enjoy these events safely and with confidence,” Anandasangaree said.
The extra funding comes after City of Toronto staff proposed charging fans to attend the World Cup Fan Fest, which were originally advertised as free, in order to fund an extra $9 million agreement with FIFA Fan Festival Vendors to improve security at the events.
After the proposal was met with criticism from the public and city councillors, the city put out a new plan, with Chow vowing to seek sponsorship to pay for additional costs and keep the fests mostly free.
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“I want to thank the federal government for this important investment as we prepare for FIFA World Cup 2026™. With visitors from around the world joining Torontonians here at home, this is an opportunity to showcase Toronto as a safe, affordable and caring city,” Chow said about the announcement.
In addition to the $145-million funding, the federal government says it has already invested $220 million to support the World Cup host cities, and up to $100 million in its Budget 2025 was also allocated to support services delivering the event.
