BMO Field World Cup 2026: Schedule, History, Facts, Travel Tips
Canada will make history as a FIFA World Cup host nation in 2026. Toronto plays a key role by staging six matches at BMO Field, marking a milestone for the country’s soccer journey.
Located on the shores of Lake Ontario at Exhibition Place, BMO Field is easily accessible from downtown Toronto. During the tournament, the venue will temporarily be renamed Toronto Stadium in accordance with FIFA’s commercial regulations.
Canada’s opening match on June 12, 2026, will take place here. This fixture represents the first men’s FIFA World Cup match ever hosted on Canadian soil. Five additional matches follow, extending Toronto’s World Cup involvement into early July.
World Cup 2026 Schedule at BMO Field
BMO Field is set to host six World Cup matches in total. Five fixtures occur during the group stage, followed by one knockout match in the Round of 32.
| Date | Group | Match | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, June 12 | Group B | Canada vs UEFA Playoff A Winner | 3:00 PM |
| Wednesday, June 17 | Group L | Ghana vs Panama | 7:00 PM |
| Saturday, June 20 | Group E | Germany vs Ivory Coast | 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday, June 23 | Group L | Panama vs Croatia | 7:00 PM |
| Friday, June 26 | Group I | Senegal vs Intercontinental Playoff 2 Winner | 3:00 PM |
| Thursday, July 2 | Round of 32 | Group K Runner-up vs Group L Runner-up | 7:00 PM |
Canada’s June 12 match carries national significance. It marks the Canadian Men’s National Team’s first-ever home appearance in a men’s World Cup, a moment decades in the making.
Germany’s clash with Ivory Coast on June 20 brings elite international talent to Toronto. Panama features twice at the venue, competing against Ghana and Croatia in Group L.
Toronto’s World Cup schedule concludes on July 2 with a Round of 32 encounter. The winner of this knockout match advances to the Round of 16, keeping their championship hopes alive.
Also Check
- World 2026 full schedule
- How to Watch FIFA 2026 Online
Interesting Facts and Stadium History
BMO Field officially opened on May 28, 2007. The City of Toronto constructed the stadium for Toronto FC and the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup at a cost of $62.9 million CAD.
The stadium occupies historic land at Exhibition Place. It is the fifth major sports venue built on this site, replacing Exhibition Stadium, which was demolished in 1999.
Toronto FC played their inaugural match on April 28, 2007, suffering a 1–0 loss to the Kansas City Wizards. A formal opening celebration followed on May 12, 2007.
Key Stadium Details
- Owner: City of Toronto
- Operator: Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
- Home Teams: Toronto FC (MLS), Toronto Argonauts (CFL)
- Original Capacity: 20,000
- Current Soccer Capacity: 30,000
- World Cup Capacity: 45,736
- Playing Surface: Natural grass with under-soil heating
Bank of Montreal acquired naming rights, leading to the BMO Field name. Artificial turf was removed in 2010 and replaced with natural grass supported by a heating system designed for colder months.
A major expansion began in 2014, adding an upper deck on the east side and increasing soccer capacity to 30,000 seats. The project cost approximately $115 million.
In 2016, a roof supported by four corner towers was installed, covering most permanent seating and shielding fans from the elements.
Major Events Hosted at BMO Field
- 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final
- 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup
- 2017 MLS Cup (36,045 attendance)
- 2016 MLS Cup
- 2010 MLS Cup
- NHL Centennial Classic 2017 (40,148 attendance)
- 104th Grey Cup (2016)
World Cup 2026 Upgrades
BMO Field is undergoing its largest transformation to date. A $146 million investment prepares the stadium for the World Cup, with $123 million funded by the City of Toronto and $23 million by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment.
Capacity expands to 45,736 seats through the addition of 17,756 temporary seats, including 10,000 in the north end and 7,000 in the south end.
Four new LED video boards replace older screens. A rooftop patio on the north side accommodates up to 1,000 fans and will remain after the tournament.
Additional upgrades include new VIP suites, a midfield hospitality lounge, renovated locker rooms, and a significantly improved Wi-Fi network.
Travel Tips for Visiting Fans
Toronto offers excellent accessibility, modern transit, and a wide range of accommodations for World Cup visitors.
Airports
Toronto Pearson International Airport serves as the primary international hub. Located 25 kilometers from downtown, it connects to Union Station via the UP Express in just 25 minutes.
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport handles domestic flights and is located downtown, accessible through a pedestrian tunnel beneath the harbor.
Getting to BMO Field
Public transportation is the most convenient way to reach the stadium, which sits less than five kilometers from downtown Toronto.
GO Train: Lakeshore West Line to Exhibition Station – 10 minutes from Union Station TTC Streetcar: Routes 509 or 511 to Exhibition Loop – 20 minutes Walking: 45–60 minutes from Union Station, 30 minutes from Liberty Village Rideshare: Uber or Lyft – 10–15 minutes
Driving is not recommended due to limited parking and heavy match-day congestion.
Where to Stay
Toronto offers more than 130,000 hotel rooms, ranging from budget stays to luxury properties.
Best Neighborhoods
- Liberty Village: Walking distance to BMO Field
- King West: Nightlife and dining, 15–20 minutes away
- Downtown Core: Central location with excellent transit
- Old Town: Historic charm and boutique hotels
- Scarborough and Etobicoke: Budget-friendly with GO Transit access
Typical prices range from $80–150 CAD for budget hotels, $200–300 CAD for mid-range options, and $350–700+ CAD for luxury stays. Booking early is highly recommended.
Fan Festival
Toronto’s official FIFA Fan Festival takes place at Fort York National Historic Site and The Bentway, just west of downtown. Admission is free.
What to Expect
- Live match screenings from June 11 to July 19
- International food vendors
- Live music and cultural performances
- Interactive fan experiences
- Easy walking access from BMO Field
Local Tips for World Cup Visitors
Weather: June and early July are warm, with temperatures between 20–28°C (68–82°F). Bring sunscreen and a light jacket for evenings.
Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit cards are widely accepted.
Tipping: Restaurants expect 15–20 percent, while taxis and rideshare drivers expect 10–15 percent.
Must-Visit Attractions
- CN Tower
- Toronto Islands
- Distillery District
- St. Lawrence Market
- Kensington Market
- Royal Ontario Museum
- Art Gallery of Ontario
Day Trip: Niagara Falls is approximately 90 minutes away.
Match Day Tip: Arrive at the stadium at least 2–3 hours before kickoff.
BMO Field Contact Information
Address: 170 Princes’ Boulevard, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3, Canada Phone: (416) 815-5982 (Non-Game Day Fan Services) Game Day Guest Assist: (647) 694-0403 Website: www.bmofield.com Seating Charts: www.bmofield.com/events/seating-chart
Economic Impact
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to generate significant economic benefits for Toronto. A Deloitte Canada report released in December 2024 outlines the projected impact.
Economic Projections
- Total Economic Output: $940 million
- GDP Increase: $520 million
- Labor Income: $340 million
- Government Revenue: $25 million
- Jobs Created: 6,600+
- Expected Visitors: 300,000+
Job creation spans construction, tourism, hospitality, security, and event management. Community initiatives such as Soccer for All receive more than $2 million CAD, supporting grassroots development and long-term workforce training.
What Makes BMO Field Special
With a World Cup capacity of 45,736, BMO Field is the smallest venue in the tournament, offering an intimate and high-energy atmosphere.
Its waterfront setting on Lake Ontario and historic Exhibition Place location add unique character. Toronto’s multicultural population creates an authentic global environment during matches.
Canada’s first-ever men’s home World Cup match takes place here, making the venue historically significant. Purpose-built for soccer, BMO Field delivers exceptional sightlines and atmosphere.
Permanent upgrades ensure benefits long after 2026, leaving a lasting legacy for Toronto FC, the Argonauts, and future international events.
BMO Field is ready to welcome the world in June 2026, combining modern improvements with a close-to-the-pitch experience as Toronto shines on the global stage.
