What to know
- Toronto ranked third among the 16 FIFA World Cup host cities in a Sports Illustrated ranking, with Vancouver taking first place thanks to its larger stadium, downtown location and scenic surroundings.
- Toronto earned praise for the accessibility of Toronto Stadium, its proximity to downtown, nearby attractions like the CN Tower and Lake Ontario waterfront, and the close-by FIFA FanFest site at Fort York.
- Vancouver topped the list with BC Place Stadium’s larger capacity, strong transit connections, vibrant entertainment district, natural landscapes and unique FIFA-themed attractions, including activations at Grouse Mountain and Science World.
- Toronto residents said the city’s multiculturalism, hospitality, growing soccer culture, international talent and World Cup-ready stadium upgrades make it a deserving destination for global football fans.
Among the 16 cities hosting the World Cup this season, Vancouver took the gold as the best location, with Toronto not too far behind.
The cities were compared in a list created by Sport Illustrated, and based on accessibility, stadium capacity and aesthetics, Toronto was able to clinch third place.
Toronto’s standouts
The sports news and experts agency noted Toronto’s 10-minute commute from the stadium to the downtown core, as well as the 40 minute walk, when explaining the decision.
The venue is being temporarily expanded from its time as BMO Field, with the newly dubbed Toronto Stadium now able to include around 40,000 fans. When looking at the Fort York location of the free FanFest watch party, the city earned some points there as well, with the celebrations set to take place only an 11-minute drive away or a 22 minute walk from the stadium.
The stadium is also right by other entertainment options and not too far from tourist attractions such as the CN Tower, which tourists and fans visiting the city can check out in between games. The stadium also notably sits near the lake front, providing a glistening view of Lake Ontario.
Vancouver takes gold – in FIFA viewing destinations
Vancouver surpassed Toronto in the FIFA city ranking, being able to provide many of the same features to fans and then some.
The west coast city has a bigger venue than Toronto, being able to fill 54,000 fans in the stands of BC Place Stadium. Being in the heart of Vancouver’s downtown core, it’s easily accessible through the subway, and is also surrounded by bars and restaurants for those visiting to enjoy.
Vancouver was also highlighted for its natural beauty, being surrounded by beaches, and mountains, with a viewing party even being hosted at the top of Grouse Mountain. FIFA FanFest will also be held at the newly built PNE Amphitheater, an open air landmark at the centre of Hastings Park.
The city skyline will see a major soccer ball implemented into it, as the Science World building projects one on its dome, and provided a FIFA technology experience for visitors to discover.
Residents express why they think the Toronto is held in high regard
Some Toronto residents spoke to Now Toronto ahead of FIFA, and shared why they believed Toronto ranked so highly.
A resident named Artor said he believed it was due to the city’s athletic capabilities.
“We have a lot of international talent, and I think we have good prospects when it comes to being at a high level in soccer going forward,” he said.
Artor himself is a big fan of soccer, and said the city’s new look for the World Cup was getting him excited.
“I was passing by the [Toronto Stadium] the other day, and I was really glad to see that they wrapped it up finally,” he said. “It finally looks like a real soccer stadium, whereas before it just looked like a high school soccer field of some sort.”
As for resident Tom, he said Toronto’s culture and kindness has to be why the city was praised.
“I think just the hospitality, we’re a pretty multicultural city, and I think that goes a long way,” he explained.
He also added that Vancouver’s ability to hold more fans during competition boosts the west coast city higher on the list compared to Toronto.
Michael, another resident, who isn’t a fan of soccer or FIFA himself, said Toronto being recognized was still interesting to him.
“It’s cool to see Toronto being a powerhouse on a global scale,” he said. I know they’re doing something different, little pop-ups for street games and stuff like that, which is really cool.”
Resident Mikhail had been a soccer fan since he was a kid. He said he wasn’t surprised Toronto was ranked so highly.
“We’re such a multicultural city,” he said. “What better place on Earth is equipped to bring people from all around the world together? So, honestly, I’m not surprised. That’s lovely to know.”
