Toronto's scary bleachers officially get FIFA World Cup makeover

Toronto residents were up in arms when the towering temporary bleachers were first added to BMO Field (temporarily renamed Toronto Stadium) ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but with the tournament kicking off in just two weeks, the stadium is finally starting to look the part.

On Wednesday, there appeared to be a major visual addition to stadium — a massive burgundy FIFA World Cup 2026 Toronto banner to cover the metal exterior of the temporary seating structures on the north and south ends.

But wait, there's more.

The former VIP and media entrance used during Toronto FC matches on the west side of the stadium has now been transformed into a massive temporary hospitality tent reserved for FIFA VIPs and special guests.

A burgundy "We are Toronto" 2026 FIFA World Cup banner will cover the stadium's south end. 

The Queen Elizabeth Building, located next to the stadium, will serve as Toronto's official media centre throughout the tournament. The building has been previously used for markets, trade shows, and exhibitions.

And if you're wondering why the big metal scaffolding stands were needed in the first place, Toronto was required to add roughly 17,000 temporary seats to BMO Field in order to meet FIFA's minimum capacity requirements to host the World Cup.

About 10,000 seats were added to the north end of the stadium, while another 7,000 were installed on the south side.

The former VIP and media entrance used during Toronto FC matches on the west side of the stadium has now been transformed into a massive hospitality tent.

The temporary stands have already had some test runs earlier this month during the Legends of Brazil vs. Toronto FC Alumni match, as well as Inter Miami CF's visit featuring Lionel Messi.

There will be six games hosted in Toronto between June 12 and July 2, including five group-stage games and one Round of 32 knockout matchup between runners-up of Group K and Group L.

Depending on how the group stage unfolds, that knockout game could be a powerhouse matchup between England and Portugal.

Canada will open its tournament in Toronto against Bosnia and Herzegovina before travelling to Vancouver for its remaining group-stage matches against Qatar and Switzerland.