Toronto says FIFA World Cup hosting costs won't rise again

City Manager Paul Johnson said the cost to host six World Cup matches in Toronto is fixed at $380 million, and the first game in the city is scheduled for June 12, 2026.

Toronto's city manager has said the cost of hosting six matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will not increase beyond the current $380 million figure as the city prepares for games in June and July. The matches will take place at a renovated BMO Field and include five group stage games and one Round of 32 fixture. The total cost has risen several times since Toronto first agreed to host, climbing from $290 million to $300 million and later to $380 million after an additional match was added. Key facts: - City Manager Paul Johnson said the figure has not increased since early 2024 and the city is keeping the total at $380 million. - Toronto will host five group stage matches and one Round of 32 match at a renovated BMO Field; the first Toronto match is scheduled for June 12, 2026. - Funding is split among levels of government: Ontario has offered $97 million, the federal government $104 million, and the City of Toronto is to cover $179 million. - About $170 million of the total is expected to be capital costs for partial rebuilding of BMO Field and renovations at Centennial Park for training use. - A May 2025 city staff report noted that a sizable portion of Ontario’s pledged funds was already assigned to other needs, including roughly $15 million for public health and hospital staffing and about $40 million of the provincial contribution already allocated. Summary: City officials say the $380 million total will hold as Toronto readies venues and operations for six World Cup games, but staff reports indicate existing commitments and event-related operational costs will continue to put pressure on city budgets. The first match in Toronto is set for June 12, 2026, and the city is working through the planned capital and operational arrangements ahead of that date.