Toronto cityscape

Toronto

Where 200+ cultures collide - Toronto hosts Canada's first-ever World Cup match on home soil

Verified
6
Matches
3-5 days
Stay
$100-180 CAD
Budget
Warm
Weather

At a Glance

Location
Toronto, Ontario
Country
Canada
Metro Population
6.4 million
Total Matches
6 matches
Match Period
-
Primary Stadium
Toronto Stadium (BMO Field)
Recommended Stay
3-5 days
Daily Budget
$100-180 CAD
Best Time to Visit
Last Updated

Best Time

Ideal Stay

3-5 days

Daily Budget

$100-180 CAD

Walkability

9/10 - Very walkable downtown, stadium just 2 miles away

Transit

9/10 - Excellent TTC subway/streetcar/bus system

Safety

9/10 - One of North America's safest major cities

About Toronto

Toronto Stadium (BMO Field) in Toronto will host 6 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches from June 12 to July 2, 2026, including CANADA'S OPENING MATCH on June 12—the first-ever World Cup match played on Canadian soil. The expanded 45,736-seat stadium sits just 2 miles from downtown on Toronto's waterfront, making it the most accessible World Cup venue in North America. Toronto is Canada's largest city and the world's most multicultural metropolis, with 200+ ethnic groups creating a global food and culture scene unmatched anywhere.

City Character

Toronto is the world's most multicultural city where over half the population was born outside Canada. You'll find authentic Chinatown, Little Italy, Little India, Greektown, Little Portugal, Koreatown, Little Jamaica—every cuisine and culture authentically represented. The CN Tower dominates the skyline, the Distillery District offers Victorian charm, Kensington Market brings bohemian vibes, and the waterfront provides 56 km of trails. Toronto combines big-city energy with Canadian friendliness, exceptional safety, and clean streets.

Stadium Location

Toronto Stadium (BMO Field) is just 2 miles from downtown Entertainment District—a 15-20 minute walk along the scenic waterfront or quick 10-minute TTC streetcar ride. This is the CLOSEST World Cup stadium to downtown of any North American host city (Boston's Gillette is 30 miles away!). No complex logistics or expensive Ubers needed. The stadium will be temporarily renamed 'Toronto Stadium' for FIFA World Cup branding.

Critical Info

TTC (Toronto's public transit) is simple and affordable: $3.30 CAD flat fare—just tap your credit/debit card on the reader. Take 509 Harbourfront or 5...

Where to Stay

Toronto has 600+ hotels (85,000+ rooms) but expect 40-60% World Cup surge pricing with FIFA reserving ~4,500 rooms nightly. Entertainment District ($200-450 CAD / $145-330 USD per night) is best for stadium access and downtown attractions—1-2 miles from BMO Field. Harbourfront/Waterfront ($180-400 CAD / $130-290 USD) is closest to stadium (10-15 min walk) with lakefront views but fewer dining options. Book 4-5 months ahead, especially for June 12 (Canada's opener—will sell out first).

Why Toronto?

Canada's multicultural metropolis meets historic World Cup opening match

Top Highlights

Canada's OPENING MATCH on June 12, 2026 - first-ever World Cup match played on Canadian soil
Toronto Stadium just 2 miles from downtown - most accessible World Cup venue in North America
World's most multicultural city - 200+ ethnic groups, 180+ languages, authentic food from every continent
CN Tower - iconic 553-meter tower with glass floor and 360° views (can see Niagara Falls on clear days)
Distillery District - pedestrian-only Victorian village with cobblestone streets, galleries, and restaurants
Kensington Market - bohemian neighborhood with vintage shops, street art, international food stalls

Unique Experiences

  • Witness history: Canada's opening World Cup match on home soil for the first tim
  • Walk to the stadium from downtown hotels in 15-20 minutes along Toronto's lakefr
  • Eat authentic cuisine from 200+ cultures - best Ethiopian, Pakistani, Caribbean,
  • Ride the glass floor elevator at CN Tower (553 meters high - stomach drops guara
  • Explore Distillery District cobblestone streets at sunset with craft cocktails a

Perfect For

Soccer fans (Canada's historic opening match)

Food lovers (world-class multicultural dining)

Urban explorers (walkable city with diverse neighborhoods)

Families (safe, clean, lots of activities)

This City Might Not Be For You If...

You want warm beach weather (Toronto is urban/lakefront, not beach resort)
You're bothered by humidity (70-82% June-July)
You prefer smaller, quieter cities (Toronto is Canada's largest metro with 6.4M people)
You need predictable sunny weather (rain common 13-16 days/month)
You don't want to deal with currency exchange (CAD vs USD)

Stadium Quick Tips

Arrive 90 min before kickoff for security screening
Stadium is just 2 miles from downtown - easily walkable (15-20 min) or quick TTC ride
NO roof - bring sunscreen SPF 50+, hat, sunglasses for day matches
Clear bag ONLY (12x6x12 max) - backpacks prohibited
TTC costs $3.30 CAD ($2.40 USD) - just tap your credit card
Walking from Entertainment District hotels is faster than waiting for streetcar
Stadium is right on Lake Ontario waterfront - breezy and cool at night

Weather During World Cup

Early summer (June-July)70-77°F (21-25°C)

Average High

77°F

(25°C)

Average Low

63°F

(17°C)

Rainy Days

13-16 days/month

per month

Humidity

70-82%

Lake Ontario proximity creates humidity

What to Expect

June and July in Toronto bring warm summer weather averaging 70-77°F (21-25°C) with high humidity (70-82%) due to Lake Ontario. Rain is common (13-16 days/month) but usually brief afternoon showers. Toronto Stadium (BMO Field) is an open-air stadium right on the waterfront with NO roof coverage. Day matches require sun protection; evening matches can be breezy and cool. Pack layers: mornings start cool (60-65°F), afternoons warm up (75-85°F on hot days). Sunscreen SPF 50+, hat, sunglasses, and light rain jacket essential.

Daylight Hours

15+ hours daylight5:30-5:45 AM - 8:50-9:00 PM

Humidity Pattern

Lake Ontario proximity creates humidity - can feel muggy on hot days, especially afternoons

Packing Essentials

  • Light rain jacket or poncho (fits in clear bag)
  • Layers (mornings 60°F, afternoons 77°F+)
  • Sunscreen SPF 50+ (reapply every 2 hours)
  • Sunglasses + baseball cap or sun hat
  • Comfortable walking shoes (3-5 miles/day)
  • Reusable water bottle (tap water excellent quality)
  • Power bank (10,000+ mAh)
  • Light sweater for air-conditioned indoor spaces
Your Complete Guide

Plan Your Visit

Everything you need for an unforgettable World Cup experience

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Toronto Stadium (BMO Field) from downtown?

Toronto Stadium is just 2 miles from Entertainment District—easiest World Cup stadium access in North America. Option 1: Walk 15-20 minutes south along Bremner Blvd toward the lake (scenic waterfront ...

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Do I need a visa to visit Canada for the World Cup?

Depends on nationality. US citizens: Passport required, no visa needed. Most European, Australian, Japanese, South Korean citizens: Visa-free but may need eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization, $7 CAD ...

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Should I stay in Toronto or near the stadium?

Stay in Toronto (Entertainment District or Harbourfront)—the stadium is only 2 miles away. Entertainment District ($200-450 CAD / $145-330 USD per night) offers best combination of stadium access, CN ...

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What is Canada's opening match and why is it significant?

Canada vs UEFA Playoff A Winner on June 12, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET will be the FIRST-EVER FIFA World Cup match played on Canadian soil. Despite co-hosting 1994 World Cup (with USA and Mexico), no matches ...

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Do I need a car in Toronto?

NO. Toronto has excellent TTC (subway, streetcar, bus) at $3.30 CAD flat fare—just tap your credit card. Downtown is very walkable. Parking at hotels costs $40-60 CAD/day. Stadium is 15-20 min walk or...

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Is Toronto safe for tourists?

Yes, Toronto is one of North America's safest major cities. Tourist areas (Entertainment District, Harbourfront, Yorkville, Distillery District, Kensington Market) are very safe day and night. Toronto...

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How expensive is Toronto compared to US cities?

Toronto is comparable to Boston, Seattle, or Chicago—more expensive than most US cities but slightly cheaper than NYC or San Francisco. Budget per person per day: Food + attractions $80-120 CAD ($58-8...

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Does Toronto Stadium have a roof?

NO. Toronto Stadium (BMO Field) is an open-air stadium with NO roof coverage. Bring sunscreen SPF 50+, hat, sunglasses, and compact poncho in clear bag. Stadium is right on Lake Ontario waterfront—can...

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What currency should I use in Toronto?

Canadian Dollar (CAD). US dollars sometimes accepted at major stores but you'll get poor exchange rate. Use credit cards (widely accepted) or withdraw CAD from ATMs. Notify your bank before traveling ...

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What food must I try in Toronto?

Essential Toronto foods: (1) Peameal bacon sandwich at St. Lawrence Market (Toronto's signature since 1803, $8-12 CAD), (2) Poutine - fries with gravy and cheese curds at Smoke's Poutinerie or local p...

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When should I arrive at Toronto Stadium?

Arrive 90 minutes before kickoff minimum for security screening. Timeline for evening match: 6:30 PM - Leave hotel → 6:50 PM - Arrive stadium area → 7:00 PM - Through security → 7:15 PM - Find seat → ...

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What's the stadium clear bag policy?

Toronto Stadium allows ONLY clear plastic bags maximum 12x6x12 inches. Backpacks, purses, diaper bags, camera bags, fanny packs PROHIBITED. Exceptions: Small clutch purse 4.5x6.5 inches (doesn't need ...

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Access detailed itineraries, hotel recommendations, insider tips, and everything you need for an unforgettable World Cup adventure.

Last Updated:

By KickoffAdventures Editorial Team

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