From Toronto to Vancouver, Canada Concludes Historic World Cup Hosting Journey
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Canada has concluded its historic role as a host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after staging 13 matches in Toronto and Vancouver as part of the largest edition in the tournament’s history.
The 2026 competition was the first men’s World Cup to feature 48 national teams and was jointly hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico.
Canada’s 13 matches were divided between the two host cities, with seven played in Vancouver and six in Toronto. The schedule included group-stage fixtures, two Round of 32 matches and one Round of 16 encounter.
The federal government described the tournament as a major opportunity to attract international visitors, support tourism and local businesses, and showcase Canada to a global audience.
Toronto marked a historic moment on June 12 when it hosted the first men’s World Cup match ever played on Canadian soil. Canada faced Bosnia and Herzegovina before a crowd of 43,002, with the match ending in a 1-1 draw after a late goal from Cyle Larin.
Toronto hosted five group-stage games and one Round of 32 fixture, while Vancouver staged five group matches and two knockout-round encounters. Both cities also organized public viewing areas, cultural activities and fan celebrations throughout the tournament.
Canada’s hosting journey ended on July 7 at Vancouver Stadium with the Round of 16 match between Switzerland and Colombia. Switzerland advanced after winning the penalty shootout, reaching the quarterfinals for the first time since 1954.
Canada’s World Cup memories extended beyond hosting duties. The national team recorded its first victory in World Cup history and advanced beyond the group stage before its campaign ended against Morocco in the Round of 16.
Toronto and Vancouver welcomed supporters from different cultures and nationalities, reflecting Canada’s multicultural population. Public squares, restaurants and entertainment districts became gathering points for fans supporting teams from around the world.
Economic projections prepared before the tournament suggested that hosting could generate as much as C$3.8 billion in economic activity, contribute approximately C$2 billion to Canada’s gross domestic product, and support or create more than 24,000 jobs. Final figures will depend on assessments of visitor spending, commercial activity and public costs following the tournament.
With the final Canadian-hosted match completed, attention now turns to the tournament’s long-term legacy, including improvements to stadiums and infrastructure, increased youth participation in soccer and Canada’s ability to host other major international sporting events.
