2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada: Host Cities, Matches & TV Broadcasters
Canada prepares to host 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 co-hosts USA and Mexico.
This marks a historic moment for Canadian soccer fans who have waited decades to see World Cup matches played at home.
The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Canada hosts 13 matches across two major cities. The expanded 48-team format includes 104 total matches across 16 venues in North America. Canada qualifies automatically as a co-host nation.
Canada host cities and stadiums
Two cities earned the right to host World Cup matches in Canada. Toronto and Vancouver beat out Edmonton in the final selection process. 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 temporarily becomes “Toronto Stadium” during World Cup matches per FIFA naming requirements.
Toronto invests $146 million in stadium improvements with the city contributing $123 million and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment adding $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 becomes permanent after the tournament.
Vancouver: BC Place Stadium
BC Place Stadium holds 55,000 fans for World Cup matches. The venue features a retractable roof with climate control systems. British Columbia invests between $171 million and $181 million in upgrades funded by provincial and federal governments.
Major improvements include a new center-hung video board and new elevators for better accessibility. Three hospitality spaces receive complete renovations. FIFA requires natural grass so Vancouver installs temporary grass grown in the Fraser Valley.
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 both a Round of 32 and Round of 16 knockout match. The United States hosts 78 matches while Mexico also hosts 13 matches.
Canadian team schedule and match locations
Canada plays all three group stage matches on home soil. This gives the team tremendous home-field advantage.
| Match | Date | Location | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match 1 | June 12, 2026 | Toronto (BMO Field) | First-ever men’s World Cup match on Canadian soil |
| Match 2 | June 18, 2026 | Vancouver (BC Place) | Second group game |
| Match 3 | June 24, 2026 | Vancouver (BC Place) | Final group stage match |
Canada appears at their third World Cup after 1986 and 2022. The team still seeks their first-ever World Cup victory. Home support might provide the boost needed for historic results.
TV broadcasters and streaming options in Canada
Bell Media owns exclusive Canadian broadcast rights through 2026. The company secured these rights in February 2015.
English Language Coverage:
- CTV: Main broadcast network for select matches
- TSN: Extensive tournament coverage
- TSN Radio: Audio coverage
French Language Coverage:
- RDS: All matches in French
- RDS2: Additional coverage for simultaneous matches
Streaming Platforms:
| Platform | Access | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| CTV GO | Mobile/tablet streaming | Cable/satellite subscription |
| TSN GO | All devices streaming | Cable/satellite subscription |
| TSN.ca | Web streaming | Cable/satellite subscription |
| RDS GO | Mobile French streaming | Cable/satellite subscription |
| RDS.ca | Web French streaming | Cable/satellite subscription |
Tournament format and complete schedule
The 2026 World Cup introduces the expanded 48-team format. Twelve groups of four teams each compete in the opening round. The top two teams from each group advance automatically. The eight best third-place teams also move forward. This creates a Round of 32 for the first time in World Cup history.
Toronto Match Schedule
| Date | Match Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| June 12, 2026 | Group Stage | Canada’s historic opening match |
| June 17, 2026 | Group Stage | International match |
| June 20, 2026 | Group Stage | International match |
| June 23, 2026 | Group Stage | International match |
| June 26, 2026 | Group Stage | International match |
| July 2, 2026 | Round of 32 | Knockout stage begins |
Vancouver Match Schedule
| Date | Match Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| June 13, 2026 | Group Stage | International match |
| June 18, 2026 | Group Stage | Canada’s second match |
| June 21, 2026 | Group Stage | International match |
| June 24, 2026 | Group Stage | Canada’s final group match |
| June 26, 2026 | Group Stage | International match |
| July 2, 2026 | Round of 32 | Knockout stage |
| July 7, 2026 | Round of 16 | Advanced knockout stage |
Matches likely start at noon, 3 PM, 6 PM or 9 PM local time. Toronto uses Eastern Time and Vancouver uses Pacific Time.
Canada fan zones and public viewing options
FIFA Fan Festivals provide free entertainment during the tournament. Toronto hosts its festival at Fort York National Historic Site and The Bentway. Vancouver likely uses the new PNE Amphitheatre.
Fan Festival Features:
- Live match broadcasts on giant screens
- Food vendors and local cuisine
- Music performances and entertainment
- Cultural programming
- Free admission for all ages
- Open throughout entire tournament
Both cities plan extensive celebrations beyond official FIFA events. Public viewing parties will happen across each city in bars, restaurants and community spaces.
Tickets: How Canada fans can buy and attend
Ticket Price Ranges:
- Toronto: CAD $84 to $2,443
- Vancouver: CAD $84 to $826
- Canada’s opening match: $500+ minimum
Ticket Sales Timeline:
- Second lottery: October 27-31, 2025
- Third lottery: After December 5, 2025 draw
- Additional windows: Early 2026
Fans can buy up to 4 tickets per match with a 40-ticket maximum across all matches. FIFA assigns specific time slots for purchases.
CanadaRed Program: Canada Soccer receives 8% of tickets for Canada’s matches. Membership in CanadaRed is required to access this lottery. Toronto’s allocation provides approximately 3,600 tickets. Vancouver’s allocation offers roughly 4,320 tickets.
FIFA operates an official resale platform charging 15% to buyers and 15% to sellers. Resale prices exceed face value dramatically with Canada’s Vancouver matches listing between $6,000 and $9,000 per ticket.
Travel and accommodation tips
Hotel prices surge in both cities during the tournament. Vancouver faces the heaviest impact with some properties nearly fully booked already. Book accommodations as early as possible.
Alternative Accommodation Options:
- Airbnb and VRBO short-term rentals
- University dormitories (UBC plans student housing)
- Hotels in surrounding suburbs
- RV parks and campgrounds
Getting to Stadiums:
- Toronto: TTC subway and streetcar to Exhibition Place
- Vancouver: SkyTrain to Stadium-Chinatown Station
Both cities encourage public transit use during matches to reduce traffic congestion. Plan extra travel time on match days.
Why 2026 is unmissable for Canada soccer fans
Canada hosts men’s World Cup matches for the first time ever. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity may never happen again. Canadian fans finally get to support their national team on home soil. The atmosphere at BMO Field and BC Place will be electric.
The tournament brings global attention to Canadian cities. Toronto and Vancouver showcase themselves to billions of viewers worldwide. Thirteen matches across two cities create thousands of opportunities to witness World Cup soccer live without expensive international travel.
Important dates to remember
- October 27-31, 2025: Second ticket lottery opens
- December 5, 2025: World Cup draw in Washington DC
- May 12, 2026: FIFA takes control of stadiums
- June 11, 2026: Tournament opens in Mexico City
- June 12, 2026: Canada’s historic opening match in Toronto
- July 19, 2026: Tournament final in New Jersey
2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada FAQs
Do I need a passport to travel between Canadian host cities?
No. Travel between Toronto and Vancouver requires only regular domestic ID. Canadian citizens can use driver’s licenses or provincial ID cards for domestic flights. International visitors should carry passports at all times during their stay in Canada.
Will I need a visa to attend World Cup matches in Canada?
Visa requirements depend on your citizenship. Canadians need no visa for domestic matches. Americans can enter Canada with a valid passport and no visa. Citizens from many countries require a visitor visa or eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). Check the Government of Canada website for specific requirements based on your nationality.
Can I use American dollars at Canadian stadiums?
Most stadium vendors accept Canadian dollars only. Credit and debit cards work at all locations. Currency exchange services operate near stadium entrances. ATMs dispense Canadian currency. Plan to exchange money before match day to avoid long lines.
How cold does it get in Canadian stadiums during matches?
June and July are warm in both cities. Toronto averages 20-25°C (68-77°F). Vancouver stays slightly cooler at 18-22°C (64-72°F). Evening matches may be cooler so bring a light jacket. BC Place has a retractable roof for weather protection. BMO Field is open-air but summer weather is typically pleasant.
Are there French language services at both stadiums?
Yes. Both Toronto and Vancouver provide bilingual services per Canadian law. Stadium announcements happen in English and French. Signage appears in both languages. Staff members speak both official languages. French-speaking fans will feel welcome at either venue.
Can I bring a Canadian flag into the stadium?
Yes. Flags and banners under 1 meter are permitted. Flagpoles must be flexible and soft (no metal or wood). Flags cannot block views of other spectators. Officials may confiscate flags with offensive messages. Support your team but respect other fans.
Will Canadian cellular networks work well at the stadiums?
Both stadiums have enhanced cellular coverage for the tournament. All major Canadian carriers (Rogers, Bell, Telus) work inside venues. Upgraded Wi-Fi systems provide additional connectivity. International visitors should check roaming plans with their home carriers before traveling.
Will there be poutine and other Canadian food at the stadiums?
Both stadiums feature Canadian cuisine including poutine. Local food vendors showcase regional specialties. Toronto offers diverse multicultural options. Vancouver emphasizes West Coast and Pacific Rim flavors. Vegetarian and halal options are available at both venues.
Are there special programs for Indigenous Canadian fans?
Both host cities plan Indigenous cultural programming during the tournament. Traditional ceremonies and performances will happen at fan festivals. Indigenous food and art vendors will be featured. Specific Indigenous fan sections may be available. Contact Canada Soccer for details on Indigenous community initiatives.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup brings soccer’s biggest tournament to Canada for the first time. Toronto and Vancouver host 13 matches starting June 12, 2026.
Watch on CTV, TSN and RDS or attend matches at BMO Field and BC Place. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity lets Canadians support their national team on home soil.
