As the FIFA World Cup draws near, anticipation surrounds Toronto’s preparedness to host the event. With Canada set to play its first match on June 12, questions linger regarding whether the city is equipped to handle the influx of fans and the complexities of hosting such a significant tournament.
Victor Montagliani, Canada’s FIFA vice president, is optimistic about the city’s readiness. He emphasized that the organization believes Toronto will be well-prepared not only in terms of venue logistics but also regarding its transit systems, which have faced challenges in the past, including extreme winter weather and high-profile events like the recent World Series.
“Everything is on schedule,” Montagliani stated confidently. He elaborated on the learning experiences from past events that he believes will aid the city in managing transportation infrastructure and other related services during the World Cup, asserting that Toronto will be prepared for the games.
As hundreds of thousands of fans are expected to descend upon various North American cities for the tournament, there are lingering concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump's travel restrictions, which could affect international visitors. Montagliani reassured that while all players will have the opportunity to compete, fans must adhere to the specific entry requirements of each host country.
“We’ve always said that buying a ticket doesn’t guarantee you entry to the country. You have to ensure that you can come in,” Montagliani emphasized, highlighting the importance of compliance with immigration regulations.
He noted that the FIFA organization works alongside governmental entities, like the State Department in the U.S. and its counterparts in Canada and Mexico, to facilitate the entry of fans for major events, such as the World Cup and the Gold Cup. Any issues related to entry are determined by national policies and do not fall under the responsibility of the event organizers.
Canada is set to play its inaugural match at BMO Field on June 12, which will be temporarily renamed Toronto Stadium during the World Cup. The identity of their opponent remains undisclosed, while Canada’s subsequent group stage matches will be hosted in Vancouver, B.C.
