Toronto welcomes FIFA officials with hopes of hosting 2026 World Cup
Posted November 22, 2021 3:53 pm.
Last Updated November 22, 2021 4:00 pm.
“Toronto, at its very heart, is a soccer city.”
Those are the words of Mayor John Tory, who confirmed that FIFA officials were front and centre to inquire as part of continued efforts to decide which North American cities will prove worthy of hosting games at the 2026 World Cup.
Toronto is a candidate host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and other cities in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico.
“Today, along with all of our partners, we had the opportunity to showcase our great city and all of the services we can provide FIFA, athletes, fans and other stakeholders if they choose Toronto as a host city,” Tory said.
Toronto, at its very heart, is a soccer city.
Looking forward to meeting with @FIFAWorldCup today, fighting hard for Toronto to host the World Cup 2026 and shine a light on our city's incredible fans and sporting facilities. pic.twitter.com/oTzZKlpqmo
— John Tory (@JohnTory) November 22, 2021
“We have the capacity and facilities to create a unique and exciting event in 2026 and I know that our partners, city ambassadors and residents will play a key role in making this possible.”
The visit with various FIFA officials included a tour of BMO Field — home of Toronto FC and the Toronto Argonauts. Larry Tanenbaum, Chairman of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), says he’s confident Toronto as a host city would “inspire the next generation of diverse sport and community leaders.”
“MLSE is all in to help the City, Province of Ontario and Government of Canada do whatever it takes to make this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity a reality for Toronto.”
FIFA is currently visiting all of the cities shortlisted last summer. Montreal and Edmonton are other Canadian cities under consideration.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 host cities are expected to be announced by early next year. The exact dates of the tournament have not yet been set.
“Over the years, Toronto’s presence on the world stage has been growing and a large part of that is due to the diverse and inclusive city we have created,” Tory said.
“A big event like the FIFA World Cup 2026 would not only help us showcase this part of our city but would play a big role in increasing our presence on the world stage and grow our economy.”
