Quick Read
- BMO Field in Toronto will host several group matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Germany, Belgium, and Croatia are among the international teams set to play in Canada.
- Canada’s national team will play its group opener at BMO Field against a European playoff winner.
- Stadium size influenced match allocations, with BMO Field hosting key fixtures despite being smaller than U.S. venues.
- Toronto will also host a knockout round-of-32 match.
BMO Field Steps Into the Global Arena
In the summer of 2026, Toronto’s BMO Field will join the world’s biggest sporting stages as it hosts several group matches for the expanded FIFA World Cup. With a tournament capacity of 45,000, BMO Field is set to be the Canadian epicenter for football’s most prestigious tournament, sharing hosting duties with Vancouver’s BC Place and playing a crucial role in the global spectacle that will see 48 teams and 104 games spread across North America.
International Giants Descend on Canada
The World Cup’s new format means more matches, more teams, and more opportunities for Canadian fans to witness soccer’s elite. Germany, Belgium, and Croatia—each a heavyweight in international football—will play group games on Canadian soil. For many fans, this is a rare chance to see legends like Luka Modric, Joshua Kimmich, and Mo Salah in action without leaving home.
The announced schedule places Germany against Ivory Coast on June 20 (Group E), Panama versus Croatia on June 23 (Group L), and Senegal facing a playoff winner (Iraq, Bolivia, or Suriname) on June 26 (Group I), all at Toronto’s BMO Field. Ghana and Panama will also meet here on June 17, adding further diversity and excitement to the slate of matches.
Canada’s Role as Host: More Than Just Logistics
Canada’s own national team, ranked 27th globally, will play its first match against a European playoff winner (with Italy among the contenders) on June 12 at BMO Field. The Canadian squad then heads west for two group games in Vancouver, facing Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24 at BC Place Stadium. If the Canadian men win their group, they’ll remain in Vancouver for the round-of-32 and potentially round-of-16 matches, ensuring home-field advantage could play a pivotal role in their campaign.
Toronto will also host a knockout round-of-32 game, featuring the runners-up from Groups K and L, which could mean a marquee matchup between Colombia and Croatia. These fixtures highlight how Canada isn’t just a backdrop for the tournament—it’s a key player in its unfolding drama.
BMO Field: Small Stadium, Big Moment
Despite its relatively modest size compared to the sprawling NFL stadiums elsewhere in North America, BMO Field’s inclusion in the World Cup schedule is a testament to Toronto’s soccer culture and the city’s ability to draw enthusiastic crowds. While venues like Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium (75,000), Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium (76,400), and New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium (82,500) will host some of the sport’s most storied teams—Spain, Argentina, France, England, and Brazil—Toronto and Vancouver are set to deliver a uniquely Canadian experience.
Stadium size did influence the allocation of marquee teams, with the largest venues landing the highest-profile matches. Still, BMO Field will see top-tier talent and competitive fixtures, proving that atmosphere and local passion can rival sheer capacity.
What Makes These Matches Special?
For Toronto, hosting Germany, Belgium, and Croatia isn’t just about numbers—it’s about legacy. These matches are a chance for Canadian fans to see tactical brilliance and world-class skill on display. The presence of African, European, and South American squads underscores soccer’s global reach, while the mix of established stars and rising talents offers something for every fan.
Ivory Coast’s return to Toronto, where they previously bested Canada in a penalty shootout at the Canadian Shield tournament, adds a note of history and rivalry. Meanwhile, Canada’s own journey—facing tough opposition and possibly advancing deep into the tournament—will be closely watched.
Canada’s Football Future on Display
The 2026 World Cup marks a turning point for Canadian soccer. With the country co-hosting alongside the United States and Mexico, the spotlight is on Canada’s infrastructure, fanbase, and national team. The matches at BMO Field and BC Place are an opportunity for Canada to show it can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with football’s global giants, not just as a host, but as a competitor.
Fans will not only see world-class matches but also experience the energy and excitement that comes from hosting a truly international event. For younger players and local clubs, the World Cup is likely to inspire a new generation, raising ambitions and expectations for the sport across the country.
Looking Ahead: The World Comes to Toronto
As the countdown to the tournament continues, anticipation is building. Tickets will be in high demand, and Toronto’s streets will be alive with fans from around the world. The city’s multicultural character and love of sport make it an ideal setting for these matches, and BMO Field is poised to make history.
Whether Canada’s national team advances or not, the legacy of the 2026 World Cup will be felt for years to come—in stadiums, communities, and in the hearts of soccer fans nationwide.
In 2026, BMO Field will be more than just a venue—it will be a crossroads of football tradition, ambition, and global connection. Canada’s role as host is both a challenge and an opportunity, and the success of these matches will be measured not only in goals scored but in the memories created and the growth of the beautiful game in the country.