Images: City of Toronto
Toronto’s BMO Field is set for a range of upgrades ahead of next year’s FIFA World Cup, with 17,000 temporary seats to be added.
The City of Toronto has partnered with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) to unveil the plans. MLSE manages the stadium and owns Major League Soccer team Toronto FC, BMO Field’s primary tenant.
BMO Field’s current capacity is around 28,000, and plans to temporarily expand the stadium for the World Cup have been in the works for some time. Details of the upgrades have now been confirmed, with the City of Toronto investing C$123m (£67m/€81m/$85m) and MLSE providing C$23m towards the work.
The capacity of the stadium will increase to 45,000 during the tournament, with 10,000 temporary seats added on the north grandstand and 7,000 temporary seats added on the south grandstand.
Player spaces and dressing rooms will also be enhanced to accommodate international teams for the six World Cup matches BMO Field will host. BMO Field will host five group stage matches, including Canada’s opening fixture, and a round of 32 fixture.
Other upgrades will include improvements to the stadium’s broadcast infrastructure, four new LED video boards and sports lighting, an upgraded audio system, self-serve technology, improved Wi-Fi, a state-of-the-art kitchen, new team dugouts, pitch improvements, and a new centre-field lounge on the stadium’s west side. Following the conclusion of the World Cup, a ticketed rooftop patio with capacity for 1,000 people will be added.
The first phase of the improvements began in December during the off-seasons of Toronto FC and fellow stadium tenant, Canadian Football League team the Toronto Argonauts. Construction will continue until August.
The second phase will be carried out from December 2025 to March 2026, with all enhancements to be completed in time for the start of the World Cup next June.
BMO Field will remain open at capacity for all scheduled events. During portions of the 2025 Toronto FC and Argonauts seasons, fans will be directed to use the southern gates for entry and exit as work on the north grandstands takes place, while a temporary video board will be fitted on the north side until early spring.
Nick Eaves, chief operating officer at MLSE, said: “MLSE is honoured to work alongside the City of Toronto to enhance BMO Field as we prepare to welcome the world next year. The exciting changes to the stadium not only elevate the experience for FIFA World Cup 26 but are also intentionally designed to permanently benefit Toronto sports fans for the future.
“We look forward to creating a lasting world-class sports experience for all fans entering the stadium for years to come. We are thankful to fans for their patience during this transformation period and for their enthusiasm that propels this impactful project forward.”
Terry Duguid, Canada’s Minister of Sport, added: “As we get ready to host the world for FIFA World Cup 26, these upgrades to BMO Field are about more than just the tournament – they’re about building a lasting legacy for Canadian soccer. Investing in top-tier facilities means our athletes get the support they need to perform at their best, our fans get an incredible experience, and our communities benefit long after the final whistle. This is an exciting moment for Toronto, for Canada, and for the future of the game in our country.”
Canada will co-host next year’s World Cup alongside the US and Mexico. BMO Field will be one of two Canadian venues, with Vancouver’s BC Place to also host matches.
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