Canada is gearing up to make history as co-host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the first time the men’s World Cup will be played on Canadian soil. The 2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule in Canada is set to kick off, and excitement is growing nationwide as Toronto and Vancouver gear up to host the world’s biggest sporting event.
Canada will host 13 matches across two iconic venues from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The tournament represents a monumental moment for Canadian soccer, featuring the country’s first-ever men’s World Cup matches at home in over four decades.
Key Tournament Dates for Canada
Table of Contents
- Tournament Opens: 11 June 2026 (Mexico City)
- Canada’s First Match: 12 June 2026 in Toronto
- Final Match: 19 July 2026 (New Jersey)
- Total Tournament Duration: 39 days with 104 matches
2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule in Canada
| BMO Field (Toronto, Ontario) | BC Place (Vancouver, British Columbia) |
|---|---|
| Capacity: 30,000 (planned expansion to 45,736) Opened: 2007 Home Teams: Toronto FC (MLS), Toronto Argonauts (CFL) Notable Events: 2016 MLS Cup Final, FIFA U-20 World Cup (2007) Potential Role: Group stage matches | Capacity: 54,500 Opened: 1983 (renovated in 2011) Home Teams: Vancouver Whitecaps FC (MLS), BC Lions (CFL) Notable Events: 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup Final Potential Role: Group stage matches |
BMO Field Toronto
Toronto Stadium (BMO Field) will serve as the epicentre of Canada’s World Cup experience, hosting 6 crucial matches, including the nation’s highly anticipated opener.
Toronto’s BMO Field is undergoing a spectacular $146 million renovation to prepare for the World Cup. The transformation includes:
BMO Field, Toronto World Cup Match Schedule
| Match Date | Match Details | Groups |
|---|---|---|
| June 12, 2026 | Canada vs B2 (Match 3) | Group A |
| June 17, 2026 | L1 vs L2 (Match 21) | Group L |
| June 20, 2026 | E3 vs E4 (Match 33) | Group E |
| June 23, 2026 | L4 vs L1 (Match 46) | Group L |
| June 26, 2026 | I2 vs I1 (Match 62) | Group I |
| July 2, 2026 | Match 83 | Round of 32 |
Capacity
- Current capacity: 30,000 seats
- World Cup capacity: 45,736 seats
- Additional seats: 17,756 temporary seats on the north and south grandstands
Major Upgrades Include
The renovation will take place in two phases: Phase 1 lasts until August 2025, and Phase 2 wraps up between December 2025 and March 2026.
- Four new LED videoboards on corner columns
- Enhanced player facilities and international-standard locker rooms
- Upgraded Wi-Fi infrastructure and broadcast systems
- New centre-field lounge and luxury suites
- 1,000-capacity rooftop patio (permanent addition)
- State-of-the-art kitchen and additional concession stands
- World-class field upgrade meeting FIFA standards
BC Place Vancouver
BC Place in Vancouver will host 7 World Cup matches, including two of Canada’s group stage games.
The 2026 World Cup represents an unprecedented economic opportunity for Canada, with FIFA’s official Economic Impact Assessment revealing staggering projections:
BC Place Vancouver World Cup Match Schedule:
| Match Date | Match Details | Group |
|---|---|---|
| June 13, 2026 | D3 vs D4 (Match 6) | Group D |
| June 18, 2026 | Canada vs B3 (Match 27) | Group B |
| June 21, 2026 | G1 vs G3 (Match 40) | Group G |
| June 24, 2026 | B4 vs Canada (Match 51) | Group B |
| June 26, 2026 | B2 vs B3 (Match 64) | Group B |
| July 2, 2026 | Match 85 | Round of 32 |
| July 7, 2026 | Match 96 | Round of 16 |
BC Place Stadium Features
- Capacity: 54,500 seats
- Unique Feature: Retractable roof revealing 7,500 square meters of open sky
- Climate Control: Indoor stadium with sophisticated ventilation systems
- Legacy: Previously hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics ceremonies
Canada’s World Cup Journey
Canada’s automatic qualification as co-host ensures its participation in its third-ever World Cup appearance. The strategic scheduling gives Canada significant advantages:
Home Advantage Schedule
This schedule gives Canada a chance to build momentum at home, with Vancouver set to host both the Round of 32 and Round of 16 matches, which could include the national team.
- Game 1: June 12 in Toronto – Canada’s historic World Cup opener on home soil
- Game 2: June 18 in Vancouver – Second group match with cross-country support
- Game 3: June 24 in Vancouver – Final group stage opportunity
National Economic Benefits
- Total Economic Output: CAD $3.8 billion
- GDP Contribution: CAD $2 billion
- Labour Income: CAD $1.3 billion
- Government Revenue: CAD $700 million
- Job Creation: 24,100 jobs created and preserved
Regional Impact
The assessment shows that for every Canadian dollar spent, the World Cup will contribute CAD $1.09 to Canada’s GDP.
The Greater Toronto Area specifically benefits from –
- Economic Output: CAD $940 million
- GDP Contribution: CAD $520 million
- Labour Income: CAD $340 million
- Job Creation: 6,600 jobs
2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule in Canada: Ticket Information
The window of Ticket price sales officially begins September 10, 2025, with FIFA implementing a multi-phase approach to manage unprecedented demand.
Ticket Sales Timeline
Phase 1: Visa Presale Draw
- Dates: September 10-19, 2025
- Eligibility: Visa cardholders (Credit, Debit, or Prepaid)
- Process: Random selection for purchase opportunities
- Notification: Selected fans contacted starting September 30
Phase 2: General Sales
- Start Date: Following Visa presale completion
- Method: First-come, first-served basis
- Continued Sales: Multiple phases through July 19, 2026
How to Prepare FIFA World Cup Ticket
Expected ticket demand is extraordinary, with over 6 million tickets available across the entire tournament.
- Create a FIFA ID at FIFA.com/tickets immediately
- Pre-register interest for tournament updates
- Obtain a Visa payment card for presale access
- Monitor official channels for additional sale announcements
FIFA Fan Festivals Canada
Both host cities will feature FIFA Fan Festivals, providing free public viewing experiences:
Toronto FIFA Fan Festival:
- Location: Fort York National Historic Site and The Bentway
- Features: Large screen broadcasts, live music, food, and cultural activities
- Accessibility: Free admission for all ages
Vancouver FIFA Fan Festival:
- Location: To be announced
- Experience: Mountain and ocean backdrop enhancing the festival atmosphere
2026 FIFA World Cup Canada Volunteer Opportunities
Canada seeks to support the 2026 FIFA World Cup Volunteer Opportunities over 7,000 volunteers –
Toronto Volunteer Program
- Positions: 3,000+ volunteers needed
- Roles: Fan services, accessibility support, media operations, event logistics
- Requirements: Must be 18+ years old
- Application: Open now at the FIFA World Cup 2026 website
Benefits for Volunteers
- Gain practical international event experience
- Develop new skills and professional networks
- Contribute to Canadian soccer legacy
- Access exclusive volunteer recognition programs
Transportation and Infrastructure
Both cities are implementing comprehensive transportation strategies:
Toronto Accessibility
- BMO Field Location: Exhibition Place, downtown Toronto
- Public Transit: Enhanced TTC services and dedicated shuttles
- International Access: Pearson International Airport proximity
- Accommodation: Over 50,000 hotel rooms in the Greater Toronto Area
2026 FIFA World Cup Canada Vancouver Connectivity
- BC Place Location: Downtown core with SkyTrain access
- Airport: Vancouver International Airport, 30 minutes away
- Regional Transit: Expanded services during the tournament period
- Natural Beauty: Mountain and ocean accessibility for visitors
Legacy Beyond 2026 FIFA World Cup Canada
The World Cup’s impact extends far beyond the tournament itself:
2026 FIFA World Cup Permanent Infrastructure Benefits for Canada
- Enhanced Sports Facilities: Upgraded stadiums serving future events
- Tourism Infrastructure: Improved visitor services and accommodation
- Soccer Development: Grassroots program expansion across Canada
- International Profile: Enhanced global recognition for Canadian cities
Long-term Soccer Growth
Canada expects the tournament to inspire millions of Canadians to follow and play soccer, potentially transforming the sport’s popularity and participation rates nationwide.
Preparing for the Historic Moment
As Canada approaches this once-in-a-generation opportunity, both Toronto and Vancouver are positioned to deliver world-class experiences. The combination of state-of-the-art venues, comprehensive infrastructure, and passionate Canadian hospitality promises to create unforgettable memories for players and fans alike.
With Canada’s first-ever home World Cup match scheduled for June 12, 2026, in Toronto, the nation stands ready to welcome the world and showcase the beautiful game in the beautiful country that is Canada.
The countdown has begun, and history awaits at Toronto Stadium and BC Place in Vancouver.
How many 2026 FIFA World Cup matches are scheduled in Canada?
A total of 13 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches are scheduled to take place in Canada, spread across venues in Toronto and Vancouver. These include both group stage and knockout round games.
