Nick Eaves, the chief operating officer of Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment, expressed confidence that Toronto Stadium will shine despite its relatively small size during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The city of Toronto and MLSE recently showcased a series of upgrades made to the venue, which is known as BMO Field. These upgrades include the addition of 17,000 seats, a new pitch, and significant enhancements to hospitality areas.
The installation of the new seating is one of the few temporary modifications, as FIFA mandated a minimum capacity of 45,000 for the event. BMO Field is one of the smaller stadiums among the 16 host cities spread across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Eaves noted, "BMO Field will be the smallest stadium, it's 45,000 capacity. Most other matches are being played in NFL stadiums, they're typically twice the size." However, he remains optimistic that Toronto will stand out, emphasizing that the city is the fourth largest in North America and will shine during the World Cup festivities.
Eaves elaborated on how Toronto will "light up through June and July around the great game of soccer," suggesting that the city's vibrant atmosphere will be unparalleled among the World Cup host cities.
The upgrades to the stadium have been implemented in phases. The first phase, completed in 2025, included the installation of four LED boards at each corner of the stadium, improvements to audio and Wi-Fi, new lighting, and the expansion of lounge and hospitality spaces alongside the kitchen. The second phase focused specifically on tournament readiness, featuring temporary seating installations, upgraded locker rooms, a new pitch, and additional hospitality spaces, which encompass 32 new suites and around 4,000 hospitality seats. A wide array of menu options—between 140 to 180—will be available during the matches.
The arrangement of the temporary seating includes 10,000 seats on the north end and 7,000 on the south end, with fieldside seats placed just feet away from the playing field. Sharon Bollenbach, Toronto's executive director for the tournament, noted, "We wanted to make sure that this was in phases so that the teams (Toronto FC and the Toronto Argonauts) could continue to play... and I think we’ve accomplished that. We’re ready to move forward and hand over the keys to FIFA."
Although there are still some finishing touches pending, Eaves assured that everything will be completed on time. He stated, "As you look around, you can see there are some things left to go, but we’re really comfortable with where we find ourselves." He mentioned that the venue would be handed over to FIFA on May 13, and all finishing touches will be in place by then. The Toronto FC game against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami on May 9 will serve as a test event prior to the official handover.
Toronto is set to host six matches at the stadium, with Canada's opening game scheduled for June 12 and a round of 32 match concluding the city's involvement in the event on July 2. Mayor Olivia Chow expressed enthusiasm about the event, acknowledging it as a historic occasion and remarking on the significance of hosting such a widely-watched sporting event. Chow confirmed that the $380 million budget for the stadium renovations, including a $146 million investment specifically for the upgrades, would not be exceeded. Financial backing has also been provided by both the federal government, contributing $220 million alongside an additional $100 million for essential services, including security and border enhancements.
Moreover, Chow mentioned that a mobility plan to facilitate transportation during the event will be shared soon. This plan is designed to optimize traffic management based on previous successes, such as those from the 2015 Pan American Games. "You will see a very detailed plan," she stated, highlighting the efforts of their chief congestion officer who will oversee its development.
