2026 FIFA World Cup Canada: Host Cities, Match Schedule, Tickets & Fan Fest
Canada hosts the FIFA World Cup for the first time in men’s soccer history. The 2026 tournament brings the world’s biggest sporting event to Canadian soil alongside the USA and Mexico.
This marks a historic moment for Canadian soccer fans. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Canada hosts 13 matches across two major cities and qualifies automatically as a co-host nation.
Canada’s Host Cities and Stadiums for the 2026 World Cup
Two cities earned the right to host World Cup matches in Canada. Toronto and Vancouver beat out Edmonton in the final selection. FIFA announced these host cities on June 16, 2022.
Toronto: BMO Field (Toronto Stadium)
BMO Field sits at Exhibition Place in downtown Toronto. The stadium expands from 30,000 to 45,736 seats for the tournament. The venue becomes “Toronto Stadium” during World Cup matches per FIFA naming requirements.
Toronto invests $146 million in stadium improvements. The city contributes $123 million and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment adds $23 million. Workers add 17,000 temporary seats split between north and south grandstands.
Four new LED video boards measure 50 by 30 feet each. A rooftop patio for 1,000 fans stays permanent after the tournament ends. The stadium gets upgraded locker rooms, better lighting and improved Wi-Fi.
Vancouver: BC Place Stadium
BC Place Stadium holds 55,000 fans for World Cup matches. The venue has a retractable roof with climate control. British Columbia invests between $171 million and $181 million in upgrades.
Major improvements include a new center video board and new elevators. Three hospitality spaces get complete renovations. FIFA requires natural grass so Vancouver installs temporary grass grown in the Fraser Valley.
The stadium also gets renovated team changerooms with individual showers and improved food court areas. BC Place stays open throughout construction for Vancouver Whitecaps and BC Lions games.
How Many Matches will be Played in Canada?
| Host City | Stadium | Total Matches |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto | BMO Field | 6 matches |
| Vancouver | BC Place | 7 matches |
| Canada Total | Both Venues | 13 matches |
Toronto’s 6 matches include 5 group stage games and 1 Round of 32 knockout match. Vancouver’s 7 matches include 5 group stage games plus a Round of 32 and Round of 16 knockout match.
The United States hosts 78 matches and Mexico hosts 13 matches. All matches from the quarterfinals onward happen in the United States. The final takes place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, 2026.
Complete Match Schedule and Tournament Format
The 2026 World Cup introduces the expanded 48-team format. Twelve groups of four teams compete in the opening round. The top two teams from each group advance automatically. The eight best third-place teams also move forward.
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 historic opening match on June 12 at BMO Field in Toronto.
Canada’s Group Stage Schedule
Canada draws into Group B at the December 5, 2025 draw. The team faces Switzerland, Qatar and a UEFA Playoff A winner.
| 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 appears at their third World Cup after 1986 and 2022. The team still seeks their first-ever World Cup victory. Home support gives Canada a tremendous advantage for historic results.
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 kick off at noon, 3 PM, 6 PM or 9 PM local time. Toronto uses Eastern Time and Vancouver uses 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 website. Successful applicants get notification by email 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 |
Prices vary by category. Category 1 offers the best seats and Category 4 has upper-level seating.
Purchase Limits
Fans can buy up to 4 tickets per match with a 40-ticket maximum across all tournament matches. A FIFA ID is required to apply for tickets.
CanadaRed Program
Canada Soccer gets 8% of tickets for Canada’s matches. Membership in CanadaRed is required to access this lottery. The lottery runs December 11, 2025 to January 13, 2026.
Toronto allocates roughly 3,600 tickets and Vancouver offers about 4,320 tickets. A separate lottery happens for each Canada match.
TV Broadcasters and Streaming Options in Canada
Bell Media owns exclusive Canadian broadcast rights through 2026. The company broadcasts all 104 matches.
English Language Coverage
CTV serves as the main broadcast network for select matches. TSN provides extensive tournament coverage across multiple channels. TSN Radio offers complete audio coverage.
French Language Coverage
RDS broadcasts all 104 matches in French. RDS2 has additional coverage for simultaneous matches.
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 offer standalone streaming for roughly $20 monthly without cable service.
Canada Fan Zones and Public Viewing Options
Toronto FIFA Fan Festival
Toronto’s Fan Festival happens at Fort York National Historic Site and The Bentway from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The location sits near downtown and connects easily via TTC streetcar and subway.
The festival has live match broadcasts on giant screens with free admission. Fans enjoy diverse food vendors, live music and cultural programming.
Vancouver FIFA Fan Festival
Vancouver’s Fan Festival takes place at PNE (Hastings Park) from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The festival centerpiece is the new $104 million PNE Amphitheatre.
The festival includes live broadcasts in the amphitheatre with free admission. Fans get West Coast cuisine, live entertainment and family-friendly activities.
Both festivals have Indigenous cultural programming including traditional ceremonies and performances.
Travel and Accommodation Tips
Hotel prices surge in both cities during the tournament. Vancouver faces the heaviest impact with many properties nearly fully booked. Book accommodations as early as possible.
Alternative Accommodation Options
Airbnb and VRBO offer short-term rental options. University dormitories have affordable housing during summer break. UBC in Vancouver and University of Toronto plan to offer student housing.
Hotels in surrounding suburbs like Mississauga (Toronto) and Richmond (Vancouver) offer lower prices. RV parks and campgrounds serve 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 during matches. Plan extra travel time on match days.
Weather and What to Bring
Toronto averages 20 to 27°C (68 to 81°F) in June and July. Vancouver stays cooler at 18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F) with occasional rain. BC Place has a retractable roof. BMO Field is open-air but summer weather is typically pleasant.
Bring sunscreen and hats for daytime matches. Light jackets work for evening matches. Reusable water bottles are allowed at stadiums.
2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada FAQs
What time do matches start at Canadian stadiums?
Matches typically kick off at noon, 3 PM, 6 PM or 9 PM local time. Toronto operates on Eastern Time and Vancouver uses Pacific Time.
Can I travel between Toronto and Vancouver using the same tickets?
No. Each match needs a separate ticket purchase. Tickets work only for individual matches.
Do I need special documentation to attend matches in Canada?
International visitors need valid passports and may need visitor visas or eTA depending on citizenship. Americans can enter with valid passports.
Are there family-friendly activities at the Fan Festivals?
Yes. Both festivals welcome families with free admission. The events have interactive activities and cultural performances.
What happens if my match gets rescheduled?
FIFA handles all scheduling changes. Ticket holders can usually attend rescheduled matches or apply for refunds.
How early should I arrive on match day?
Plan to arrive 2 to 3 hours before kickoff. FIFA matches have enhanced security screening. Stadium gates open roughly 3 hours before kickoff.
Will there be accessibility accommodations at venues?
Yes. Both stadiums have wheelchair-accessible seating, accessible washrooms and assisted listening devices. Service animals are permitted.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup brings soccer’s biggest tournament to Canada for the first time. Toronto and Vancouver host 13 historic matches from June 11 to July 19.
Watch all 104 matches on CTV, TSN and RDS or attend games at BMO Field and BC Place. Canada faces Switzerland, Qatar and a European opponent in Group B starting June 12, 2026.
