Toronto Marks 100 Days to FIFA World Cup 2026™ with Citywide Celebrations and Legacy Announcements

Toronto 100 days to FIFA World Cup 2026 milestone highlights six matches and legacy programs

With just 100 days until kickoff, the City of Toronto is ramping up preparations to host six FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches this summer — including the first-ever men’s FIFA World Cup™ match played on Canadian soil.

At a community celebration reflecting Toronto’s host city theme, “The World in a City,” municipal leaders outlined key event details, legacy investments and economic projections tied to the global tournament.

Toronto will host six matches, beginning Friday, June 12, and including a Round of 32 match on Thursday, July 2. The tournament officially begins June 11 in Mexico City and concludes July 19 in New York/New Jersey.

Community Celebration Highlights

The free 100-day milestone event featured live music, cultural performances and international cuisine, showcasing Toronto’s diversity. Former and current Toronto FC and national team players participated in autograph sessions, while Host City poster artist Dave Murray completed a live painting.

City of Toronto marks 100 days to FIFA World Cup 2026™

News release: https://t.co/O11aXJXbK7#WeAreToronto pic.twitter.com/gg6aTThrUY

— City of Toronto 🇨🇦 (@cityoftoronto) March 3, 2026

To mark the countdown, the CN Tower and the Toronto sign were illuminated in blue and green.

Mayor Olivia Chow said the city is ready for the global spotlight.

“With 100 days to go, Toronto is ready to welcome the world. The whole world will experience Toronto as the safe, affordable and caring city that it is,” said Mayor Chow. “This tournament is our opportunity to showcase the strength of our communities and the spirit that brings people together.”

FIFA Fan Festival™ Toronto

The FIFA Fan Festival™ Toronto will run from Thursday, June 11 to Sunday, July 19 at Fort York National Historic Site and The Bentway, spanning 22 event days.

The festival will feature live match broadcasts, arts programming and cultural performances aligned with Toronto’s host city theme. Additional programming details will be announced in the coming months.

Soccer for All Legacy Program

As part of its long-term community impact strategy, the City continues to advance the Soccer for All Legacy Program — an Ontario-wide initiative focused on building mini-pitches and expanding free soccer programming for children and youth in equity-deserving neighbourhoods.

More than $6 million has been raised to date for mini-pitches at:

• Apted Park

• Amesbury Park

• Grandravine Park

• Scarborough Village Park

Construction is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2026. Funding also supports free programming to help remove barriers to participation.

The City is also investing $5 million in broader legacy initiatives, including recreation access, workforce development and cultural programming.

Through the Community Celebration Support Fund, $1.7 million has been distributed to support 65 free, community-led events across Toronto during the tournament.

Economic Impact and Partnerships

In December 2024, FIFA released an economic impact assessment prepared by Deloitte Canada estimating the tournament could generate up to $940 million in economic output across the Greater Toronto Area and support more than 6,600 jobs.

Toronto FC was recently named the third Official Toronto World Cup™ Host City Supporter, joining Ontario Power Generation and Humber Polytechnic. The club will assist with fan activations, community initiatives and legacy programming.

Across the city, 3D FIFA World Cup 2026™ Toronto brand installations have been installed at Toronto Pearson Airport, the Toronto Zoo and the CN Tower in partnership with Destination Toronto.

Federal and provincial leaders also highlighted the tournament’s significance.

“This summer, Canada will both host and play to win,” said Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport). “The legacy of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be felt long after the final whistle.”

Ontario’s Minister of Sport, Neil Lumsden, described the event as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to showcase the province to a global audience.

With more than one million visitors expected nationwide and billions watching worldwide, Toronto’s role as a host city positions it at the centre of what is expected to be the largest FIFA World Cup™ in history.

For continuing coverage of FIFA World Cup 2026™ developments across Toronto and the GTA, follow GTA Today.