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Upgrades to BMO Field at Exhibition Place have now been completed for the city’s preparations to host matches for the FIFA World Cup 2026, during which time the venue will be known as Toronto Stadium. Delivered through a partnership between the City of Toronto and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, the work readies the municipally owned venue to welcome six tournament fixtures beginning in June, 2026.
Construction was delivered in two phases between December, 2024 and March, 2026, allowing the stadium to remain in use throughout Major League Soccer and Canadian Football League seasons. The initial phase, completed in September, 2025, established the technical backbone of the venue through upgrades to broadcast systems, lighting, audio, and fan amenities, while the second phase focused on tournament-specific requirements.
The final phase of work delivers the elements required for tournament play, most visibly through temporary stands that increase capacity from roughly 28,000 to about 45,000 seats. On the field, a newly installed FIFA-standard playing surface incorporates a hybrid stitched system, while upgrades introduce new dugouts, locker rooms, and team facilities. Additional hospitality and viewing areas have been added across the stadium, alongside expanded broadcast compounds. The added seating will be removed following the tournament, while the remaining improvements are intended to serve future events. Permanent upgrades include expanded hospitality and premium seating areas, new north-end viewing spaces, connectivity infrastructure, and improvements to accessibility, circulation, and wayfinding throughout the venue. Food service has also been upgraded with expanded facilities and self-serve options.
Work completed in 2025 included four large-format LED videoboards installed at the stadium’s corner columns, paired with upgraded sports lighting and a new public address system. Behind the scenes, the video production control room was expanded with improved sightlines and an isolated sound booth, while broadcast infrastructure was enhanced to meet international media demands. Concourse areas were reconfigured with upgraded concessions, including a permanent west-side kitchen and self-serve technology, alongside expanded hospitality spaces such as a new centre field lounge and renovated west-side suites, supported by improved Wi-Fi connectivity.
“We are proud to unveil, together with the City of Toronto, a world-class stadium to welcome the global game while providing fans with an unparalleled experience,” said Keith Pelley, President & CEO, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. “We are grateful to Toronto fans for their patience as construction took place over the past year and we are looking forward to the tournament leaving a meaningful legacy with a number of permanent stadium improvements that will positively transform the fan experience for years to come.”
The upgrades represent a total investment of $157.9M, with $132.9M funded by the City of Toronto and $25M contributed by MLSE. Approved by Toronto City Council as part of the municipality’s FIFA World Cup 2026 hosting commitments, the project also included a $9.2M capital adjustment in 2025 to address cost changes, which was offset through reallocations within the broader tournament budget.
“The Government of Canada is proud to have invested over $104 million and to work alongside partners as we prepare for this historic moment for sport in our country,” said The Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport) and Canada’s FIFA Sherpa.
Toronto is set to host six matches during the FIFA World Cup 2026 beginning in June, 2026, including Canada’s Men’s National Team’s opening game. Preparations for the event have involved coordination across all levels of government, with federal funding supporting stadium upgrades and the Province of Ontario contributing to infrastructure and logistics. The tournament is expected to deliver a substantial economic lift to the region, with estimates pointing to up to $940M in total economic output, including $520M in GDP growth, $340M in labour income, and the creation of more than 6,600 jobs.
“Completing these upgrades is an exciting milestone for our city,” shared Mayor Olivia Chow. “Fans, residents and visitors will share an incredible experience right here in our communities. The whole world will experience Toronto as the safe, affordable and caring city that it is. This is about more than the matches. It is about bringing people together, celebrating our diversity and showcasing the strength and spirit of our communities while creating lasting benefits for Toronto long after the final whistle.”
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| Related Companies: | Gensler, Kramer Design Associates Limited |
