FIFA World Cup 26™ Impact on Durham Region

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FIFA World Cup 26™ Planning Overview

Toronto is set to host six matches for FIFA World Cup 26™ at Toronto Stadium at Exhibition Place (BMO Field to be renamed for the duration of the tournament). Games are scheduled from June 12 to July 2, 2026, and the overall tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

The monumental event will bring a large influx of visitors to the Greater Toronto Area. While the spotlight will be on Toronto, hotels throughout Durham Region can anticipate much higher occupancy rates and increased demand, along with increased ridership on GO Transit.

Local businesses are encouraged to prepare for this surge — think about extended hours, staffing adjustments, or special promotions. Stay informed by subscribing to our Industry Report for the latest updates from across Durham’s eight local municipalities and beyond.

If you are planning other major events or conferences during these dates, it may be worth exploring alternative scheduling to avoid congestion and ensure the best possible experience for all visitors.

Key Dates

The Canadian Men's National Team opener will take place on Friday, June 12, 2026 at Toronto Stadium - their only scheduled match in Toronto.

Matches in Toronto are as scheduled:

Match #3: Friday, June 12, 2026 at 3 p.m. ET - Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Match #21: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 7 p.m. ET - Ghana vs. Panama
Match #33: Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 4 p.m. ET - Germany vs. Ivory Coast
Match #46: Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 7 p.m. ET - Panama vs. Croatia
Match #62: Friday, June 26, 2026 at 7 p.m. ET - Senegal vs. Iraq
Match #83: Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 7 p.m. ET - Group K runners-up vs. Group L runners-up – not yet announced

FIFA World Cup 26™ features both Group Stage and Knockout matches. In the Group Stage, teams earn 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-place teams, advance to the Round of 32 in the Knockout Stage.

Municipal Events and Watch Parties

Town of Ajax
- Join the community spirit in Ajax and watch Canada’s matches live on June 12 at the Ajax Fairgrounds and June 18 and June 24 at Pat Bayly Square.
Town of Whitby
- Join the Town of Whitby, in partnership with Whitby FC, for a watch party on June 12 at Whitby Civic Park and on June 18 at Whitby FC.

Toronto FIFA Fan Festival™

Toronto will host a FIFA Fan Festival™ from June 11 to July 19, 2026, offering visitors and residents an exciting way to experience the world's biggest sporting event.

The festival will be held at Fort York National Historic Site and The Bentway and will be free for the public to attend. Fans can expect live match broadcasts, entertainment, food and beverage options, interactive activities, and cultural programming that celebrate the spirit of the game.

With this major attraction taking place in Toronto, Durham Region may see increased GO Transit ridership and other transit usage as residents and visitors travel to and from the festival.

Public Viewing License Requirements

If your business or community group will be showing a FIFA World Cup 26™ match, a public viewing license may be required. There are three viewing license categories: Non-Commercial, Special Non-Commercial and Commercial.

Non-Commercial do not require a license and cover businesses airing matches as part of their regular business operations and small community events (under 1,000 people) that are free to attend with no sponsors.

Special Non-Commercial and Commercial require a license and fees apply.

To learn more and to submit a license request visit PublicViewing.fifa.org.

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