BMO Field – tournament stadium description

What will BMO Field be called during the 2026 World Cup?

BMO Field will be called Toronto Stadium during the 2026 World Cup. This name change is in line with FIFA's practices, which require the use of neutral stadium names during international tournaments. The purpose of these regulations is to avoid conflicts with official tournament sponsors and to ensure that sports venue names do not promote specific commercial brands unrelated to the event. The name Toronto Stadium refers to the location of the stadium, the city of Toronto.

What changes will need to take place at BMO Field before the 2026 World Cup?

Before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, BMO Field in Toronto will undergo significant upgrades. The City of Toronto has approved a $37 million contract to temporarily increase the capacity of BMO Field. The city council voted in favour of the temporary expansion contract to allow the stadium to meet FIFA's capacity requirements of more than 45,000 fans. In addition to the installation of 17,500 seats, which will be dismantled after the games, the work also includes the installation of TV studios, staircases and a lift. The winning bid for the project was submitted by Arena Event Services, a company from the United Arab Emirates, which will work with local suppliers.

Prior to the start of the World Cup, all stadiums will have to undergo tests to demonstrate whether they meet FIFA's detailed requirements for such a major event. Changes made to the venues as a result may include upgrades to the pitch surface, seating enhancements, improved accessibility and updates to stadium technology and security systems to ensure the arenas meet FIFA's international standards.

How will BMO Field be used for the 2026 World Cup?

BMO Field in Toronto, will host six matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with five group stage matches scheduled to be played on June 12, 17, 20, 23 and 26, and one round of 32 match scheduled for July 2.

What hours will the 2026 World Cup games at BMO Field be broadcast?

The 2026 World Cup matches at BMO Field in Toronto are likely to be played at 12:00, 15:00, 18:00 and 21:00 local time (Eastern Time). Converting these times to UK time (BST), the matches will be available for viewing at 17:00, 20:00, 23:00 and 02:00 the following day, respectively. In Australia (AEST), they will be available for viewing at 02:00, 05:00, 08:00 and 11:00 the following day.

Where is BMO Field, the 2026 World Cup stadium, located?

BMO Field is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, within Exhibition Place, near the western shore of Lake Ontario. Toronto is Canada's largest city and the capital of the province of Ontario, as well as an important cultural, financial and sporting centre. The city has a cosmopolitan climate and a diverse population. BMO Field is well connected, with easy access to major thoroughfares, public transport and Toronto Pearson International Airport. Toronto is part of the Golden Horseshoe, a highly urbanised region around the western end of Lake Ontario that is one of the most economically dynamic areas in North America. The city offers numerous tourist attractions, including the CN Tower, Toronto Islands, and a wide range of museums, theatres and restaurants.

What are the features of BMO Field, the 2026 World Cup stadium?

Construction of the new arena began in the spring of 2006 and after just one year, the facility with a capacity of around 20,000 spectators was ready. Referred to simply as the National Soccer Stadium in the design phase, the facility had already secured a sponsor, BMO, during the construction phase. The simple prefabricated steel construction was decorated with light-coloured bricks on the outside. With three stands, the facility allowed for quick and relatively cheap expansion, which Toronto FC took advantage of as early as 2010 by adding a sector to the north of the venue. In 2014, a two-phase upgrade began, which saw the stadium exceed its capacity of 30,000 as of 2015 after the completion of the upper level in the east.

You can learn more about BMO Field from the presentation of this stadium on our site