The Biggest Soccer Tournament on Earth Is Coming to Canada
This summer, the FIFA World Cup arrives in North America for the first time since 1994 — and Canada is front and centre. With 16 stadiums spread across Canada, the United States, and Mexico, the 2026 edition is the largest World Cup in history, expanding from 32 to 48 teams. Three of those iconic venues are right here in Canada, giving Canadians an unparalleled chance to witness the world's most-watched sporting event on home soil.
BMO Field, Toronto
Toronto's BMO Field is the most intimate of Canada's three venues, seating around 30,000 fans — and it'll be expanded for World Cup play. Located on the waterfront near Exhibition Place, BMO Field is the home ground of Toronto FC and has hosted international rugby and soccer for years. Its compact size means every seat feels close to the pitch, and the atmosphere during a knockout match could be electric. Toronto is Canada's largest and most international city, making it a natural magnet for visiting fans from around the world.
BC Place, Vancouver
Vancouver's BC Place is a beast. With a retractable roof and capacity for over 54,000 spectators, it's Canada's largest covered stadium and one of the most technically impressive venues in the entire 2026 tournament. BC Place has already hosted the 2015 Women's World Cup Final — a fitting credential. Vancouver's multicultural population, stunning mountain backdrop, and vibrant food scene make it one of the most sought-after destinations for travelling supporters.
Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton
Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton is an open-air behemoth with roughly 57,000 seats, built for the 1978 Commonwealth Games and still one of Canada's largest sports venues. Summers in Edmonton can surprise visitors with warm, long evenings — perfect for late-afternoon kickoffs. Alberta's oil-patch city has quietly become a world-class sports hub, and hosting the World Cup cements that status.
The Full Picture: 16 Stadiums Across Three Countries
Beyond Canada's three venues, the tournament spreads across 10 American stadiums — including MetLife Stadium in New Jersey (the final venue), SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, and AT&T Stadium in Dallas — plus three venues in Mexico: Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, and Estadio BBVA in Monterrey. Mexico's Estadio Azteca holds the rare distinction of having hosted a World Cup Final twice before (1970 and 1986), making it one of soccer's most storied grounds.
An Ottawa Angle?
Ottawa won't host matches, but thousands of locals are expected to travel to Toronto and beyond to catch games. Watch for viewing parties and fan zones popping up across the capital throughout the tournament. Ottawa's soccer community — bolstered by a large multicultural population — is sure to make itself heard.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in June. Tickets remain available through FIFA's official channels, though demand is extraordinary.
Source: CBC Sports
