BMO Field – design description

What does the BMO Field expansion project look like in brief?

The expansion of BMO Field has been planned in connection with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, during which the stadium is set to host six matches. For the duration of the tournament, additional temporary stands will be installed behind both goals, increasing the venue’s capacity to 45,000 – though it will still remain the smallest stadium of the entire World Cup.

The project also includes several other upgrades aimed at benefiting the stadium in the long term – a new building with two levels of suites and a large terrace will be constructed behind the north goal, four new video screens will be added in the corners, and both the WiFi and broadcast infrastructure will be improved.

The works are scheduled in two phases: the first from December 2024 to August 2025, and the second from December 2025 to March 2026. During this period, the stadium is expected to remain in regular use.

How was the BMO Field expansion project developed?

Why was an expansion of BMO Field necessary?

In 2018, Mexico, the United States, and Canada were selected to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It will be the first World Cup to feature 48 teams and the first ever held across three countries.

On June 16, 2022, FIFA announced the 16 host cities for the tournament. Toronto made the list, with matches to be held at BMO Field. It was one of only two Canadian cities chosen to host World Cup games, alongside Vancouver (where matches will take place at BC Place).

Of all the stadiums selected for the 2026 World Cup, BMO Field appeared to be the least prepared for such a large-scale event. With a capacity of around 28,000, the venue was significantly too small. To meet FIFA’s requirements, the stadium therefore had to be substantially expanded.

What is BMO Field like?

BMO Field is a purpose-built soccer stadium located within Exhibition Place, not far from downtown Toronto – the largest city in Canada. It was originally constructed for the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup and to serve as the home of Toronto FC, the first Canadian team to join Major League Soccer (MLS).

Following an expansion between 2014 and 2016, the stadium also became home to the most successful team in Canadian football, the Toronto Argonauts, who relocated from Rogers Centre. BMO Field is owned by the City of Toronto and operated by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), which also owns both tenant teams.

The stadium’s naming rights are held by the Bank of Montreal (BMO). It is also known as the National Soccer Stadium and regularly hosts matches of the Canadian national soccer team.

What role will BMO Field play during the 2026 World Cup?

BMO Field will host six matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup: five group stage games – including the Canadian national team’s opening match of the tournament – and one Round of 32 fixture. During the World Cup, the stadium will be referred to as Toronto Stadium.

When was the BMO Field expansion project developed?

What was the idea behind expanding BMO Field?

The original plan was to expand the stadium only temporarily, by adding mobile stands behind the goals for the duration of the World Cup. The first renderings showing what the stadium could look like during the tournament were released shortly after the host cities were announced.

Who designed the BMO Field expansion?

In July 2023, the contract to design the expansion of the stadium was awarded to the well-known architecture firm Gensler – the same firm responsible for the 2014–2016 expansion of BMO Field.

The final concept included not only temporary stands but also permanent elements that will serve the stadium after the tournament.

When was the final expansion concept for BMO Field presented?

The final concept and further details of the BMO Field expansion for the 2026 World Cup were presented on March 3, 2025, by the city authorities together with the stadium operator, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment – after the first phase of construction had already begun.

What does the BMO Field expansion plan include ahead of the 2026 World Cup?

What temporary changes will be made to BMO Field before the World Cup?

The main goal of the pre-World Cup works at BMO Field is to increase capacity by installing temporary stands behind both goals.

Behind the south stand, a temporary second tier will be added, providing 7,000 seats. The temporary stands behind the north goal will accommodate 10,000 people, bringing the stadium's total capacity during the tournament to 45,000. Despite this significant increase, BMO Field will still remain the smallest venue of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The idea of building temporary end stands for the World Cup is not new – similar solutions were previously implemented at Arena Corinthians in São Paulo during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and again four years later at Ural’s stadium in Yekaterinburg, Russia.

What permanent changes will the BMO Field expansion bring ahead of the World Cup?

The project also includes a number of other works designed to benefit the stadium in the long term.

One of the key investments will be a new two-story suite building located behind the northern goal. During the tournament, this structure will be surrounded by temporary stands, and after these are dismantled, a spacious terrace on the roof will be accessible.

Another visible change will be the installation of new video screens. The existing screen behind the northern goal will be replaced by four new ones positioned in the corners of the stadium.

An additional suite and a new kitchen will be added on the west stand. Throughout the stadium, new food and beverage outlets will be opened. The players’ locker rooms will also undergo renovation.

The plan further includes upgrades to the broadcast infrastructure and modernization of the WiFi network.

When will the BMO Field expansion take place?

The BMO Field expansion works ahead of the World Cup are divided into two phases. The first phase began in December 2024 and will last until August 2025. The second phase will start in December 2025 and finish in March 2026. The stadium will remain operational throughout the construction, though fans may experience minor inconveniences.

How much will the BMO Field expansion cost?

The project is estimated to cost CAD 146 million. The city (owner of the stadium) will cover CAD 123 million, while the remaining CAD 23 million will be provided by the stadium operator, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment.