MLSE unveils final Toronto Stadium upgrades ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026

Toronto has entered the final stage of its preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 after officially unveiling the completed transformation of its stadium, a project designed to meet FIFA requirements while preserving the venue’s identity within the global tournament.

Toronto Stadium new upgrades

The venue, temporarily rebranded as Toronto Stadium for the World Cup, has expanded its capacity to 45,000 seats through the addition of 17,000 temporary seats. The expansion was a mandatory requirement to host matches in the tournament and represents one of the most significant upgrades to the facility at Exhibition Place, commonly known as BMO Field.

Despite being the smallest stadium among the 16 host cities across Canada, the United States and Mexico, local organizers insist the venue will deliver a high-level experience aligned with the scale of the competition.

The temporary seating includes 10,000 new seats in the north end and 7,000 in the south, with select sections positioned close to the pitch to create a more intimate matchday environment. Once the tournament concludes, the stadium will return to its original configuration, continuing to host Toronto FC in MLS and the Toronto Argonauts in the CFL.

Beyond capacity, the upgrades include major structural and technological improvements aimed at elevating both player conditions and fan experience. The stadium now features a new playing surface, modernized locker rooms and expanded player areas, along with a significant increase in hospitality offerings.

A total of 32 new suites and approximately 4,000 premium seats have been added, while the food and beverage program has been expanded with more than 100 options available throughout the venue.

These enhancements build on Phase 1 renovations completed in 2025, which focused on infrastructure upgrades such as new LED video boards in each corner of the stadium, improved lighting systems, upgraded audio, enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity and broadcast capabilities.

City officials and MLSE executives framed the project as both a sporting and civic milestone, emphasizing its long-term impact beyond the tournament. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow highlighted the broader significance of the upgrades, pointing to the opportunity to showcase the city on a global stage while creating lasting benefits for local communities.

The project was carried out in two phases, with a total approved investment of 157.9 million dollars, including contributions from both the City of Toronto and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment. While the temporary seating will be removed after the World Cup, many of the infrastructure improvements will remain as permanent enhancements to the stadium.

Before officially handing over the venue to FIFA on May 13, the stadium will host a key test event. Toronto FC is set to face Inter Miami on May 9 in what will serve as a full operational rehearsal ahead of the tournament.

The match is expected to provide organizers with a final opportunity to evaluate logistics, fan flow, security protocols and overall stadium readiness in a high-demand environment.

Toronto is scheduled to host six matches during the World Cup, including Canada’s opening game on June 12, which will mark the first time the country’s senior men’s national team plays a World Cup match on home soil. The city will also stage a Round of 32 match on July 2.

With the tournament set to run from June 11 to July 19, the completion of the stadium upgrades represents a critical milestone in the countdown to one of the largest sporting events in history.

As final adjustments continue in the coming weeks, Toronto positions itself as a key hub of the 2026 World Cup, ready to welcome global audiences and deliver a tournament experience that blends international standards with a distinctly local identity.