$104 Million Investment from Ottawa to Support Toronto in Hosting 2026 FIFA World Cup
The federal government will provide over $104 million in funding to support Toronto in hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The announcement follows Ottawa’s commitment of $116 million last month for the Vancouver matches, bringing the total investment to over $220 million. This marks the first time the federal government has disclosed a specific financial contribution for the games after the successful bid.
Toronto and Vancouver are the selected Canadian cities to host matches in the 2026 World Cup, with additional games scheduled in the United States and Mexico.
Federal Minister of Sport Carla Qualtrough stated that the funding designated for Toronto will assist in covering operational and capital expenses for the six matches hosted by Canada’s largest city.
“Toronto will present an impressive platform as host of this international tournament,” Ms. Qualtrough expressed during a press conference at BMO Field on May 3. “FIFA 2026 will also have a significant economic impact here in Toronto, in Vancouver, and nationwide.”
Ms. Qualtrough noted that the federal funding amount was determined based on the operational and capital costs of the event.
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The federal funding falls short of the potential 35 percent contribution that the government could have made for an event of this magnitude. Ms. Qualtrough mentioned that the funding amount was determined by the “unique” structure of Toronto’s event, which involves contributions from FIFA, the city, and the provincial government.
Ms. Qualtrough expressed that there will be ongoing discussions with the city regarding their requirements if costs continue to rise, but stressed the importance of all parties staying within the allocated investments.
Toronto Investment
The City of Toronto estimates that hosting World Cup matches will cost $380 million, representing an $80 million increase from a previous forecast for 2022. This rise is attributed in part to the addition of another match to the Toronto schedule.
The Ontario government will provide $97 million in one-time funding, while the city anticipates contributing $170 million.
“We have committed to the bid,” remarked Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow on the city’s portion of the expenses. “We are confident in our ability to raise the necessary funds and manage costs, which is why we are moving forward with enthusiasm.”
About one-third of the funds will be allocated to policing and security, according to Ms. Chow. The capital costs largely include the installation of temporary seating and the construction of an outdoor fan center at BMO Field.
“The stadium will undergo expansion to meet FIFA requirements,” Ms. Chow explained, noting that additional activities like a fan festival are also factored into the total expenditure.
The mayor faced inquiries regarding the escalating costs of the event and Toronto’s capacity to handle the financial burden.
“The bid has been approved, and we are proceeding,” she affirmed. “We are committed to managing costs to the best of our ability.”
Ms. Chow previously stated that the city plans to engage in fundraising efforts to alleviate the financial strain on taxpayers.
Despite the significant costs associated with Canada hosting matches in two cities, Ms. Qualtrough emphasized that the benefits outweigh the expenses.
“FIFA 2026 will bring our nation together like no other event can,” she stated, projecting over $2 billion in total economic activity for Canada, including $395 million in anticipated visitor spending and around $350 million in tax revenues.
The Canadian Press contributed to this report.
