Here's a first look at Toronto's BMO Field ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Julia Alevato · CBC News

· Posted: Sep 23, 2025 6:34 PM EDT | Last Updated: 3 minutes ago

As the countdown to the FIFA 2026 World Cup games begins, Toronto's BMO's field is going through a number of renovations to meet the tournament's standards. 

On Tuesday, the city of Toronto and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment unveiled details about the ongoing renovations and upgrades at the venue.

Nick Eaves, MLSE's chief venues and operations officer, said it's an honour to host the first match for Canada men's national soccer team.

"We're thrilled to be one of 16 host cities playing our part and we can't wait to make the city of Toronto proud and showcase all that in front of a global broadcast audience of literally several billion people," he said.

In June 2022, FIFA awarded Toronto the right to host five first round games plus one playoff round match during the 2026 World Cup, which kicks off June 12. The remaining games will be hosted by Vancouver, Mexico and the U.S.

Eaves said MLSE is working together with the city to expand BMO field to have it be ready for World Cup matches and meet the FIFA requirements, which he says are "not insignificant."

"It's been a bit of a journey in partnership between the city and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment to really be ready to host what will be the largest global sporting event ever," he said. 

Sharon Bollenbach, left, and Nick Eaves, right, are pictured here on Sep. 23, 2025. (Dale Manucdoc/CBC)

Sharon Bollenbach, executive director for the FIFA World Cup 26 Toronto Secretariat, said phase one of the renovations is officially complete, and includes several permanent elements such as luxury suites, an upgraded video production control room and a new kitchen.

The "jewels in the crown" for her are the four new video boards, which are approximately 9 by 15 metres, with over five million pixels in terms of resolution, she said. 

"We're really proud of that. It's one of the big legacy investments as part of the infrastructure project and, obviously meeting FIFA requirements, but a huge upgrade and installation for fan experience going forward post world cup," said Bollenbach.

The venue got four new video boards, which are approximately 9 by 15 metres with over five million pixels in terms of resolution. (Paul Borkwood/CBC)

2nd phase to begin in December

The second phase begins in December and will be the most challenging, with plans to add 17,000 temporary new seating to the venue,  increasing its capacity to 45,000 to meet FIFA requirements.

"The seating itself is temporary, but there will be some great legacy elements that stay and improve fan experience in the stadium long term," said Bollenbach.

She said 7,000 seats will be added to the south end and 10,000 will be added to the north end on a two-level hospitality area. 

The expected construction area for phase 2. (Dale Manucdoc/CBC)

After the temporary seating on the hospitality area gets taken down, the venue will convert it into a rooftop patio for Toronto FC, Toronto Argonauts and other events, Eaves said. 

In addition, all BMO Field signage will be covered and replaced with Toronto Stadium signage prior to the turnover.

Mobility plan still being finalized

Officials also provided some insight into how they intend to manage traffic and crowds during the tournament.

Bollenbach said a mobility plan is still being finalized and will be largely dependent on what time matches will be played. 

"Whether we have a match at noon on a weekday is very different than we have a 3 p.m. match that deals with sort of end of day traffic on a Friday, so we're waiting for the match times to further refine the mobility plan," she said.

The TTC, Metrolinx, the city and even players have been participating in the creation of the mobility plan, Bollenbach said. 

There will be very limited parking and fans will be encouraged to use other transportation methods, she said. 

Bollenbach said there will be very limited parking and fans will be encouraged to use other transportation methods to access the venue during match days. (Patrick Morrell/CBC)

"Whether that's transit, whether it's walking, whether it's biking, rideshare, we're going to be providing a number of options for people other than coming down in their own cars and congesting the area," said Bollenbach. 

There will be transportation hubs for both GO service and increased TTC streetcar service, she added. 

Work on phase two will begin shortly after Women's Northern Super League plays its championship match on Nov. 17. 

"It's going to be a bit of a sprint, but so was the first phase, so we're ready for it," said Eaves. "We have to hand the stadium over to FIFA 30 days before the first match, so May 12, 2026, so between now and then, there's a lot of work to do."