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With the kickoff for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Toronto just 19 days away, soccer excitement in the city is reaching fever pitch.
This week, Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart kicked off a nationwide soccer initiative in Toronto to get more children involved in the sport. The campaign will see 25 new soccer pitches popping up in cities across Canada.
On Saturday, a total of 254 players came together in an effort to break the Guinness World Record for the largest game of human foosball. Organizers built a life-sized foosball arena in Etobicoke just for the event as part of a push to get fans excited for the World Cup.
Nathan Phillips Square has also been transformed into the Visa Street Soccer Park, which replaces the usual fountain with a pop-up double mini-pitch.
As well, many stores across the city are completely sold out of stickers for the fans who enjoy collecting new players for their official FIFA World Cup 2026 sticker books.
But Torontonians are still waiting to hear who will compose the Canadian squad for the World Cup games. Head Coach Jesse Marsch is set to officially announce Team Canada’s 26-player roster on Friday.
Head Coach Jesse Marsch is set to officially announce Team Canada’s 26-player roster on Friday. (Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Here’s a look at some new developments, from which national teams will be visiting our city, to what steep prices tickets are going for now.
Canada to face off against Bosnia and Herzegovina
Toronto will host six matches during the FIFA World Cup. We now know who will play against Canada in the June 12 game and who will play Senegal in the June 26 game.
Friday, June 12 at 3 p.m.: Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Group StageWednesday, June 17 at 7 p.m.: Ghana vs. Panama, Group StageSaturday, June 20 at 4 p.m.: Germany vs. Côte d’Ivoire, Group StageTuesday, June 23 at 7 p.m.: Croatia vs. Panama, Group StageFriday, June 26 at 3 p.m.: Senegal vs. Iraq, Group StageThursday, July 2 at 7 p.m.: Group K runner-up vs. Group L runner-up, Round of 32
The July 2 match won’t be decided until the Group Stage is completed on June 27, but it’s likely to be the one the city is most excited about — with the winner moving on in the tournament and the loser returning home.
Group K is composed of Portugal, Uzbekistan, Colombia and DR Congo, while Group L includes England, Croatia, Ghana and Panama.
Surely, Little Portugal would be buzzing if it turned out the team was coming to the city for the early July game.
FIFA marketplace returns following new price cap law
For those waiting to find out who will play Toronto’s Round of 32 match before buying tickets, you’re not necessarily in luck.
The FIFA official Last-Minute sales phase opened on April 1. Tickets are selling fast, with Front Category 1 seats going for $3,285 a piece. Resale tickets on third-party ticket selling apps are going for almost $1,000 on the lower end and nearly $11,000 for those sections right by the field.
WATCH | BMO Field’s test run featured a Messi cameo, nearly sold-out bleachers:
Did BMO Field pass its first test ahead of the FIFA World Cup?
An Inter Miami–Toronto FC match at BMO Field served as a dress rehearsal ahead of next month’s FIFA World Cup. CBC’s Greg Ross spoke with fans about whether they believe the stadium (and the city) are ready to host the global tournament.
As for Canada’s June 12 game, tickets on the official FIFA website are going for $1,370 for a seat on those new temporary bleachers and up to $4,705 for those closer to the pitch. Resale tickets are now going for more than $9,000 on the higher end and just over $1,000 if you’re not too keen on being up close and personal with the players.
The price tag for the Toronto portion of the tournament was estimated at $380 million, with $146 million of those for BMO Field’s facelift. The renovation included the addition of 17,000 temporary seats to meet the FIFA minimum capacity of 45,000.
The city still has some Host City Match Day+ Bundles and Host City Hospitality Bundles available, though you’re required to contact them for more information.
FIFA’s Marketplace for resale has returned after some reconfiguration due to a new price cap that came into effect in Ontario at the end of April. The province’s legislation bans people and platforms from reselling seats to events in the province for more than face value.
FIFA Marketplace tickets for the June 12 game are going for up to $5,410 in the Front Category 1 and almost $1,000 for Category 3 seats. Only Front Category 1 seats are available for the July 2 game, going for $3,285 a piece.