Wednesday, March 25, 2026
The City of Toronto, in partnership with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), announced all major upgrades at Toronto Stadium at Exhibition Place for FIFA World Cup 2026 have been completed.
The stadium is set to host six FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in Toronto, including group-stage and knockout round matches.
“Completing these upgrades is an exciting milestone for our city. Fans, residents and visitors will share an incredible experience right here in our communities. The whole world will experience Toronto as the safe, affordable and caring city that it is. This is about more than the matches. It is about bringing people together, celebrating our diversity and showcasing the strength and spirit of our communities while creating lasting benefits for Toronto long after the final whistle,” said Mayor Olivia Chow
Phase 2 construction focused on final tournament-readiness improvements, including a temporary seating expansion to increase capacity to a total of 45,000 seats, a new pitch and dugout areas, upgraded player areas, additional hospitality spaces and refinements to broadcast infrastructure to meet FIFA competition requirements. The temporary seating expansion will be removed following the tournament, while many of the other infrastructure upgrades are permanent improvements that will enhance the fan experience and benefit future events.
“With anticipation building in our city for FIFA World Cup 2026, we are proud to unveil, together with the City of Toronto, a world-class stadium to welcome the global game while providing fans with an unparalleled experience. We are grateful to Toronto fans for their patience as construction took place over the past year and we are looking forward to the tournament leaving a meaningful legacy with a number of permanent stadium improvements that will positively transform the fan experience for years to come,” said Keith Pelley, president & CEO, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment.
Phase 1 upgrades, completed in 2025, delivered infrastructure improvements including enhanced broadcast capabilities, new videoboards, lighting and audio systems, expanded kitchen, lounge and hospitality spaces, and improved fan amenities. Additional upgrades support accessibility and enhance the spectator experience throughout the venue.
Toronto City Council approved funding for stadium upgrades as part of the City’s FIFA World Cup 2026 hosting agreements. The total project cost is $157.9 million, including $132.9 million from the City and $25 million from MLSE. The upgrades support FIFA requirements and the City’s long-term major events strategy.
Toronto Stadium is the City-owned stadium located on the Exhibition Place grounds. The venue is home to Toronto FC of Major League Soccer and the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League.
In December 2024, FIFA released an economic impact assessment prepared by Deloitte Canada, estimating that FIFA World Cup 2026 could generate up to $940 million in positive economic output for the Greater Toronto Area, including $520 million in GDP growth, $340 million in labour income and $25 million in government revenue. The tournament is also expected to create more than 6,600 jobs between June 2023 and August 2026.
“These improvements will help ensure the City of Toronto and the stadium are ready to welcome the world and deliver an unforgettable experience for players and fans during the FIFA World Cup 2026™. The Government of Canada is proud to have invested over $104 million and to work alongside partners as we prepare for this historic moment for sport in our country—one that will leave lasting benefits for communities in Toronto and across Canada, and inspire the next generation of athletes,” said Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport).
Featured image: (City of Toronto)
