2026 FIFA World Cup Canada: Host Cities, Match Schedule, Tickets & Fan Fest
Canada will host the FIFA World Cup for the first time in men’s tournament history in 2026. The event brings the world’s biggest soccer competition to Canadian soil as part of the tri-nation hosting plan with the United States and Mexico.
For Canadian fans, this is a landmark moment. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Canada hosts 13 matches across two cities and automatically qualifies as a co-host nation.
Canada’s Host Cities and Stadiums for the 2026 World Cup
Two Canadian cities earned the right to host World Cup matches. Toronto and Vancouver were selected ahead of Edmonton, with FIFA confirming the Canadian host cities on June 16, 2022.
BMO Field
Toronto: BMO Field (Toronto Stadium)
BMO Field is located at Exhibition Place in Toronto, close to downtown. For the tournament, capacity increases from 30,000 to 45,736 seats. During World Cup matches, the venue will be referred to as “Toronto Stadium” to meet FIFA naming requirements.
Toronto is investing $146 million in stadium improvements. The City of Toronto contributes $123 million, while Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment adds $23 million. Roughly 17,000 temporary seats will be installed across the north and south ends.
Four new LED video boards measuring 50 by 30 feet are planned. A rooftop patio designed for 1,000 fans will remain after the World Cup. Additional improvements include upgraded locker rooms, enhanced lighting, and better Wi-Fi coverage.
BC Place Vancouver
Vancouver: BC Place Stadium
BC Place Stadium will hold roughly 55,000 fans for World Cup matches and features a retractable roof with climate control. British Columbia plans to invest between $171 million and $181 million in upgrades.
Key updates include a new center-hung video board and additional elevators to improve accessibility. Three hospitality spaces will be renovated, and Vancouver will install a temporary natural grass pitch sourced from the Fraser Valley to meet FIFA requirements.
Team changerooms will be improved with upgraded facilities, and food court areas will be refreshed. BC Place is expected to remain operational during construction for Vancouver Whitecaps and BC Lions games.
How Many Matches will be Played in Canada?
Matches by Host City
| Host City | Stadium | Total Matches |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto | BMO Field | 6 matches |
| Vancouver | BC Place | 7 matches |
| Canada Total | Both Venues | 13 matches |
Toronto’s six matches include five group-stage fixtures and one Round of 32 game. Vancouver’s seven matches include five group-stage fixtures plus one Round of 32 and one Round of 16 match.
The United States hosts 78 matches and Mexico hosts 13 matches. All games from the quarterfinals onward will be played in the United States, with the final scheduled at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, 2026.
Complete Match Schedule and Tournament Format
The 2026 FIFA World Cup introduces an expanded 48-team format. Twelve groups of four teams play in the opening phase. The top two teams in each group advance, and the eight best third-place teams also qualify for the knockout rounds.
The tournament runs for 39 days, from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Mexico hosts the opening match on June 11 at Estadio Azteca. Canada plays its first-ever men’s home World Cup match on June 12 at BMO Field in Toronto.
Canada’s Group Stage Schedule
Canada is drawn into Group B in the December 5, 2025 draw. The team faces Switzerland, Qatar, and a UEFA Playoff A winner.
Canada Group Stage Matches
| Match | Date | Opponent | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match 1 | Friday, June 12 | UEFA Playoff A Winner | Toronto (BMO Field) | 3:00 PM ET |
| Match 2 | Thursday, June 18 | Qatar | Vancouver (BC Place) | 6:00 PM ET |
| Match 3 | Wednesday, June 24 | Switzerland | Vancouver (BC Place) | 3:00 PM ET |
Canada enters its third World Cup appearance after 1986 and 2022, still looking for its first-ever men’s World Cup victory. Playing on home soil gives the team a major boost.
Toronto Match Schedule
| Date | Match Type | Teams / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, June 12 | Group Stage | Canada vs UEFA Playoff A (3:00 PM ET) |
| Wednesday, June 17 | Group Stage | Ghana vs Panama |
| Saturday, June 20 | Group Stage | Germany vs Ivory Coast |
| Tuesday, June 23 | Group Stage | Panama vs Croatia |
| Friday, June 26 | Group Stage | Senegal vs Playoff Winner |
| Thursday, July 2 | Round of 32 | Knockout Match TBD |
Vancouver Match Schedule
| Date | Match Type | Teams / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, June 13 | Group Stage | Australia vs Playoff Winner |
| Thursday, June 18 | Group Stage | Canada vs Qatar (6:00 PM ET) |
| Sunday, June 21 | Group Stage | Belgium vs Egypt |
| Wednesday, June 24 | Group Stage | Canada vs Switzerland (3:00 PM ET) |
| Friday, June 26 | Group Stage | New Zealand vs Belgium |
| Thursday, July 2 | Round of 32 | Knockout Match TBD |
| Tuesday, July 7 | Round of 16 | Knockout Match TBD |
Matches typically begin at noon, 3 PM, 6 PM, or 9 PM local time. Toronto operates on Eastern Time, while Vancouver operates on Pacific Time.
How to Get FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets in Canada
Current Ticket Sales Phase
The Random Selection Draw opened December 11, 2025 and runs through January 13, 2026. Fans apply through FIFA’s official ticketing platform, and successful applicants receive email confirmation in February 2026.
Ticket Price Ranges
| Match Type | Toronto Prices | Vancouver Prices |
|---|---|---|
| Canada Opening Match | CAD $1,300 to $3,035 | N/A |
| Canada Group Matches | N/A | CAD $370 to $980 |
| Other Group Matches | CAD $84 to $2,443 | CAD $84 to $826 |
Pricing varies by category, with Category 1 offering the best seats and Category 4 typically located in upper sections.
Purchase Limits
Fans may purchase up to four tickets per match with a maximum of 40 tickets across the tournament. A FIFA ID is required to apply.
CanadaRed Program
Canada Soccer receives 8% of tickets for Canada’s matches. Access requires a CanadaRed membership, with a lottery running from December 11, 2025 to January 13, 2026.
Toronto is expected to allocate roughly 3,600 tickets and Vancouver around 4,320 tickets through this program, with separate lotteries for each Canada match.
TV Broadcasters and Streaming Options in Canada
Bell Media holds exclusive Canadian broadcast rights through 2026 and will carry all 104 matches.
English Language Coverage
CTV serves as the primary network for select matches, while TSN provides comprehensive tournament coverage across multiple channels. TSN Radio offers full audio coverage.
French Language Coverage
RDS broadcasts all 104 matches in French, with additional coverage on RDS2 for simultaneous fixtures.
Streaming Platforms
| Platform | Access | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| CTV GO | Mobile and tablet streaming | Cable or satellite subscription |
| TSN GO | All devices streaming | Cable or satellite subscription |
| TSN.ca | Web streaming | Cable or satellite subscription |
| RDS GO | Mobile French streaming | Cable or satellite subscription |
| RDS.ca | Web French streaming | Cable or satellite subscription |
TSN Direct and RDS Direct provide standalone streaming options for roughly $20 per month without a cable subscription.
Canada Fan Zones and Public Viewing Options
Toronto FIFA Fan Festival
Toronto’s FIFA Fan Festival will take place at Fort York National Historic Site and The Bentway from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The location sits near downtown and is accessible by TTC streetcar and subway connections.
Fans can watch live broadcasts on large screens with free admission, alongside food vendors, live music, and cultural programming.
Vancouver FIFA Fan Festival
Vancouver’s FIFA Fan Festival will be hosted at PNE (Hastings Park) from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The main feature is the new PNE Amphitheatre.
The event includes live match broadcasts, free admission, local food options, entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
Both festivals are expected to include Indigenous cultural programming, including ceremonies and performances.
Travel and Accommodation Tips
Hotel prices rise sharply during major events, and demand will be especially intense in Vancouver. Booking accommodations as early as possible is strongly recommended.
Alternative Accommodation Options
Airbnb and VRBO provide short-term rentals. University residences can offer affordable summer housing, with options expected at UBC in Vancouver and the University of Toronto.
Staying in nearby suburbs like Mississauga (Toronto) or Richmond (Vancouver) can reduce costs, and both cities also have RV parks and campgrounds for budget travelers.
Getting to Stadiums
| City | Transit Options | Best Method |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto | TTC subway and streetcar | Exhibition Station via streetcar |
| Vancouver | SkyTrain | Stadium–Chinatown Station |
Both cities encourage public transit use on match days, and extra travel time should be planned due to crowds and security checks.
Weather and What to Bring
Toronto typically sees temperatures around 20 to 27°C (68 to 81°F) in June and July. Vancouver is slightly cooler at about 18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F) with occasional summer rain.
BC Place’s retractable roof reduces weather concerns, while BMO Field is open-air but generally comfortable in summer conditions.
Bring sunscreen and hats for daytime matches. A light jacket works well for evening kickoffs, and a reusable water bottle is a helpful addition.
2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada FAQs
What time do matches start at Canadian stadiums?
Matches usually kick off at noon, 3 PM, 6 PM, or 9 PM local time. Toronto uses Eastern Time and Vancouver uses Pacific Time.
Can I travel between Toronto and Vancouver using the same tickets?
No. Each match requires its own ticket purchase, and tickets apply only to the specific match listed.
Do I need special documentation to attend matches in Canada?
International visitors need a valid passport and may require a visitor visa or eTA depending on citizenship. U.S. visitors can enter with a valid passport.
Are there family-friendly activities at the Fan Festivals?
Yes. Both fan festivals are designed for all ages and include interactive activities, performances, and cultural programming.
What happens if my match gets rescheduled?
FIFA manages schedule changes. Ticket holders are typically able to attend the rescheduled match or request a refund based on FIFA policy.
How early should I arrive on match day?
Plan to arrive 2 to 3 hours before kickoff. World Cup matches include enhanced security screening, and gates often open about three hours before match time.
Will there be accessibility accommodations at venues?
Yes. Both venues offer wheelchair-accessible seating, accessible restrooms, and other supports. Service animals are permitted.
Canada hosts the FIFA World Cup for the first time in men’s tournament history in 2026. Toronto and Vancouver will stage 13 matches between June 11 and July 19.
Fans can follow all 104 matches through CTV, TSN, and RDS or attend games in person at BMO Field and BC Place. Canada’s Group B campaign begins on June 12, 2026, with matches against a UEFA playoff opponent, Qatar, and Switzerland.
