- Toronto and Vancouver Prepare to Welcome Global Football Spectacle in Landmark Summer Tournament
OTTAWA: Canada is expected to spend more than C$1 billion (US$727 million) to host matches during this summer’s FIFA World Cup, according to a new report released Wednesday by the Parliamentary Budget Officer, highlighting the country’s major investment in one of the world’s largest sporting events.
The report estimates that the average public cost per match will reach approximately C$82 million, a figure officials say remains broadly consistent with spending patterns seen during previous FIFA World Cup tournaments hosted around the world.
Canada will host 13 matches during the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19 and is being jointly organized with United States and Mexico in a historic North American partnership.
Federal and Provincial Governments Share Hosting Costs
The overall projected cost of C$1.066 billion will be shared among multiple levels of government. The federal government is expected to contribute approximately C$473 million, while provincial and municipal authorities will provide the remaining C$593 million.
The City of Toronto plans to spend around C$380 million, including federal support grants, to host six matches during the tournament. Meanwhile, the province of British Columbia has allocated approximately C$578 million for seven games scheduled to take place in Vancouver.
In addition, the federal government announced in April that it would dedicate up to C$145 million specifically for tournament security operations, ensuring the safe hosting of teams, supporters, and international visitors.
Major Economic and Global Opportunity for Canada
Officials and analysts say the tournament is expected to generate significant economic activity through tourism, hospitality, infrastructure upgrades, international media exposure, and job creation.
Hosting World Cup matches is also seen as a major opportunity for Canada to strengthen its global sporting profile while showcasing Toronto and Vancouver as world-class destinations for international events.
Canada Opens Campaign Against Bosnia & Herzegovina
Canada will begin its World Cup campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto on June 12, with excitement continuing to build among football fans ahead of the country’s participation on home soil.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is widely expected to become one of the largest and most commercially significant sporting events ever staged in North America, bringing together millions of fans from around the world.
BY: The Times Union
