VANCOUVER — Toronto and Vancouver will host 13 matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Canada’s national team playing all its Group B games on home soil. The tournament’s Canadian leg begins June 12 in Toronto with opening ceremonies featuring performances by Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé, followed by Canada’s first match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Canada will then face Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24, both matches in Vancouver. This marks the country’s third World Cup appearance after previous tournaments in 1986 and 2022, though it has never advanced beyond the group stage. A report by a Canadian government watchdog estimated that hosting the event will cost federal and local governments approximately $1 billion.

Canada national team coach Jesse Marsch credited the 1994 World Cup with shaping his career, stating, “Without 1994, the World Cup, I wouldn’t be here. I wouldn’t have had an opportunity to become a professional after college. I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to pursue being a professional coach.” Marsch also praised the squad’s character and diversity, saying, “I’ve often said that these guys, for me, are the incredible, the greatest resource and example of what it is to be Canadian. And I can go multiculturalism, the backgrounds of all of them, the humbleness, the kindness, but in there as well is that they’re competitive and they’re strong and they’re committed to doing whatever it takes to make sure that this summer, they’re going to be at their absolute best.”

Defender Richie Laryea, who plays for both Canada and Toronto FC, noted the growing local excitement. “When you go out and get a coffee or even in and around the hotel, people are excited. People are ready for the World Cup to be in Toronto. So I think for the majority of people know how big of a moment this is going to be for our city, but I think until it’s actually here and people see it, it’s going to probably blow people away,” he said.

Canada Soccer President Peter Augruso emphasized the unifying power of the sport, stating, “The game belongs to everyone. It doesn’t ask where you are from, only how you play, how you lead and how you bring people together.” He added, “Our diversity hasn’t diluted us. It’s defined us. In a world that can feel divided, Canada stands proof that diversity isn’t a challenge to overcome, but a strength to celebrate. Here, the world doesn’t just visit—the world lives, works, learns and thrives together.”

Interest in soccer has grown in Canada over the past decade, fueled by the 2015 Women’s World Cup and stars like Christine Sinclair and Alphonso Davies. According to the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute, soccer is now the top sport among Canadian children aged 5 to 17. Some criticism has emerged over ticket prices, related costs, and the tournament’s potential impact on marginalized communities.