Here's what the TTC is doing to prepare for FIFA World Cup 2026 madness

With Toronto gearing up to host one of the largest sporting events in its history, the TTC is ramping up preparations to ensure that the city's transit network can handle the hundreds of thousands of visitors and spectators that will flock to the city for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

In his December 2025 Report, TTC CEO Mandeep S. Lali detailed the transit agency's extensive planning efforts for the global tournament, which is set to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Toronto is one of the 16 host cities across North America, and will welcome six matches at the upgraded BMO Field, along with a FIFA Fan Festival at Fort York National Historic Site and The Bentway.

Central to the TTC's FIFA strategy is improving transit flow along the corridors heading to and from Exhibition Place. As a result, the TTC is working with City staff to implement RapidTO initiatives on Dufferin and Bathurst streets, which would create transit priority lanes for buses and streetcars.

The first-ever men's FIFA World Cup match on Canadian soil is scheduled for Friday, June 12, 2026, with five other matches to follow on June 17, June 20, June 23, June 26, and a round of 32 match on July 2.

With the official tournament draw completed as of Dec. 5, the TTC says it now has all the scheduling information needed to finalize its operational plan for the sporting event.

Next steps include working with Metrolinx and PRESTO on a region-wide pass to give visitors and Toronto residents seamless travel during the World Cup, as well as participating in readiness exercises with Toronto Police Services, Toronto Emergency Management, Metrolinx, and others.

The transit agency will also coordinate with the Toronto Police Service Integrated Safety and Security Unit (ISSU) on a safety and security plan and explore opportunities to advance the agency's Wayfinding Strategy at significant locations.

The global tournament is expected to create more than 3,500 jobs and bring more than 300,000 visitors to Toronto alone, as well as generate $393 million in GDP. Ontario stands to gain more than $456 million, and the combined impact of the games in Toronto and Vancouver is expected to contribute over $1.2 billion to Canada's GDP.