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3mo ago

Toronto Unveils Final Upgrades To World Cup Venue At BMO Field

A $146 million retrofit readies the venue for FIFA control in May.

Fireworks mark the pregame ceremony before Toronto FC take on the New York Red Bulls during their home opener in MLS action at BMO Field in Toronto, Saturday, March 14, 2026, against the back drop of the development of a new stand being built for the stadium's hosting of games at the FIFA 2026 World Cup.
Toronto FC fans returned to a new-look BMO Field when the team hosted its home opener against the New York Red Bulls earlier this month. The stadium's transformation into a FIFA World Cup venue is almost complete.
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Workers are seen assembling temporary seating to expand capacity at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada ahead of the 2026 World Cup

Overview

  • The City of Toronto and MLSE, which unveiled the upgrades Tuesday, detailed a $146 million program with a new FIFA-standard pitch, 17,000 temporary seats, 32-plus new suites, four corner LED boards, an upgraded control room, and improved Wi‑Fi, sound, and lighting.
  • The expansion lifts capacity to about 45,000 for the tournament, with 10,000 seats added in the north end and 7,000 in the south end.
  • Toronto FC’s home date against Inter Miami on May 9 will serve as a full-capacity test event before FIFA takes over the site on May 13.
  • The venue will stage six World Cup matches from Canada’s opener on June 12 through July 2, with FIFA control running until July 9 and all temporary builds due out by July 31.
  • Organizers will widen the operating footprint at Exhibition Place and set a secure zone that funnels fans to fixed entry points, which will change routes and access during the event window.