Toronto Braces for FIFA World Cup Surge: 300,000 Visitors Expected

UPDATE: Toronto is gearing up for a massive influx of visitors as the FIFA World Cup kicks off next June 12, 2026. With an estimated 300,000 people expected to descend on the city, residents are warned that daily life will be dramatically affected, from transportation to dining options.

Experts are emphasizing that simple activities, such as securing restaurant reservations and getting around town, will become increasingly challenging. The anticipated visitor count exceeds the 250,000 who attended Vancouver’s 2010 Winter Olympics and rivals the crowd from Taylor Swift’s sold-out shows in November 2024. As noted by Walid Hejazi, a professor at the Rotman School of Management, “The FIFA events will attract an even bigger global audience.”

The economic impact will be significant. Hejazi predicts that hotel prices will surge as occupancy reaches unprecedented levels. “It’s going to be difficult getting reservations,” he warns, noting that visitors will flock to top restaurants and hotels, eager to spend their money. The hospitality sector will need to ramp up hiring to meet the demand, creating many temporary jobs.

Parking and transportation are also set to become hot topics as the city prepares for the crowds. “Parking prices are going to go up, and people will be renting cars to get around,” Hejazi explains. As Toronto hosts six matches, including five in the group stage and one in the Round of 32, the pressure on public transit is expected to intensify.

At the heart of the action is BMO Field, where Canada will open its World Cup campaign against a European team, likely Italy. David J. Roberts, an associate professor at the University of Toronto, highlights that activities concentrated at BMO Field and the fan park will create bottlenecks. He urges the city to implement robust contingency plans to avoid transit issues similar to those experienced during a recent Game 7 of the Blue Jays’ World Series.

“It has to be top of mind,” Roberts stresses, indicating that lessons from past events should inform preparations for the FIFA World Cup. A well-organized transit system will be crucial for ensuring that both residents and visitors can navigate the city smoothly during this high-profile event.

As the countdown to the World Cup begins, Toronto’s residents and officials must brace for the challenges and opportunities that come with hosting such a monumental event. The excitement is palpable, but so are the concerns about the logistical hurdles that lie ahead. The world will be watching when the tournament kicks off in just a few months, and it is essential for Toronto to rise to the occasion.

Stay tuned for more updates as the FIFA World Cup approaches, and prepare for a city transformed by international sports tourism.