BMO Field World Cup 2026 — The Complete Stadium Guide

BMO Field is hosting 6 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches — including Canada's historic opener on June 12. Whether you're heading to the stadium or just want to know what's changed for the World Cup, this is everything you need: the expansion, the seating, how to get there, and what to expect on match day.

The BMO Field Expansion for the World Cup

BMO Field's regular MLS capacity sits around 30,000. For FIFA World Cup 2026, the stadium underwent a major temporary expansion — bringing it to 45,736 seats, well above FIFA's minimum requirements for a World Cup venue.

The expansion focused on adding temporary upper-tier stands at both the north and south ends of the stadium, filling in the open corners and giving the ground a fully enclosed, bowl-like atmosphere for the first time. The result: louder, tighter, more electric than anything Toronto has experienced at a soccer match.

The natural grass pitch was also relaid ahead of the tournament to meet FIFA's elite playing surface standards. Lighting, scoreboard, and broadcast infrastructure were upgraded as part of the full FIFA Host Venue package.

Toronto's World Cup Match Schedule

BMO Field is hosting 6 matches across the group stage and Round of 32. Canada's opener on June 12 is the most anticipated — but every match in Toronto will draw thousands of travelling fans from around the world.

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Canada vs Bosnia & Herzegovina  · Group B

June 12 · 3:00 PM ET

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Ghana vs Panama  · Group L

June 17 · 7:00 PM ET

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Germany vs Côte d'Ivoire  · Group E

June 20 · 4:00 PM ET

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Panama vs Croatia  · Group L

June 23 · 7:00 PM ET

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Senegal vs Iraq  · Group I

June 26 · 3:00 PM ET

TBD  VS  TBD

Round of 32  · Teams TBD

July 2 · 7:00 PM ET

Check the full Toronto match schedule on our homepage for the latest kickoff times and any updates as the tournament progresses.

BMO Field Seating Guide

Understanding the layout before you arrive makes a big difference — especially in an expanded stadium with temporary sections you've never sat in before.

How to Get to BMO Field

BMO Field sits inside Exhibition Place on Toronto's waterfront. On match days, the area will be packed — plan your route in advance and give yourself plenty of time.

TTC Streetcar (Recommended)

The easiest and fastest option. Take the 509 Harbourfront or 511 Bathurst streetcar from Union Station directly to Exhibition Loop — about a 10–15 minute ride. On match days, TTC runs extra cars and extends service windows. This is how most local fans get there.

GO Train

If you're coming from outside the city, the Lakeshore West GO line stops at Exhibition GO station, a 5-minute walk from the stadium entrance. GO runs extra trains on match days and holds trains after the final whistle — check gotransit.com for the match day schedule.

From Pearson Airport

Take the UP Express from Pearson to Union Station (25 min, $12.35), then transfer to the 509/511 streetcar to Exhibition Loop. Total journey: about 40–45 minutes. See our full Pearson to BMO Field transit guide for step-by-step directions and every option including Uber and rideshare.

Driving & Parking

Driving is strongly not recommended. Exhibition Place has limited event parking, and surrounding streets will be closed or gridlocked hours before kickoff. If you must drive, arrive 3+ hours early and use a parking app to pre-book a spot in the CNE grounds.

What to Bring (and What to Leave Home)

FIFA has strict stadium entry rules. Getting turned away at the gate on match day is not something you want to experience — read these before you go.

Allowed

• Small bags — max 30×20×15 cm (roughly the size of a sheet of A4 paper)
• Flags and scarves — no poles or sticks; hand-held only
• Sealed water bottles — plastic, up to 500ml, empty or sealed
• Sunscreen — small bottle, subject to inspection
• Cameras — personal cameras without detachable lenses
• Team jerseys and face paint — encouraged
• Ponchos — single-use or small fold-up styles

Not Allowed

• Large bags or backpacks exceeding size limits
• Outside food and drinks (including sealed cans and alcohol)
• Umbrellas — yes, even in rain
• Selfie sticks or tripods
• Flares, pyrotechnics, or laser pointers
• Professional cameras with detachable lenses
• Drones
• Political or offensive banners

Match Day Timeline

Here's a realistic breakdown of how to approach a BMO Field World Cup match day.

1. 1
   3 hours before kickoff — Leave wherever you are Transit fills up fast. Restaurants near the stadium get jammed. The earlier you move, the smoother your experience.
2. 2
   2–2.5 hours before — Eat and drink near the stadium King West, Liberty Village, and Ossington have dozens of spots within a short walk or streetcar ride. Have your pre-match meal somewhere you can sit — food inside the stadium is expensive and the lines are long.
3. 3
   90 minutes before — Join the gate queue Gates open approximately 90 minutes before kickoff. Early entry means shorter security lines and time to find your seat, grab a drink, and take it all in before the noise starts.
4. 4
   45 minutes before — Pre-match ceremonies World Cup pre-match shows are a full production — anthems, flag bearers, player walkouts. Being in your seat for this is part of the experience.
5. 5
   After the final whistle — Wait 15 minutes The rush to the exits after the final whistle is intense. Let the first wave leave, then head out. GO Train holds its trains for 20–30 minutes post-match. TTC runs extra cars. You won't miss anything.

Food & Drink Inside BMO Field

The stadium has an expanded concession setup for the World Cup with more vendors and faster service than standard TFC matches. Expect the usual stadium staples — hot dogs, poutine, burgers, beer — plus some international options added for the tournament.

Beer is available but at stadium prices (~$14–18 per cup). Lines at halftime are brutal. If you want a drink, get it in the first 30 minutes or wait until the second half starts. Outside food and drinks are not permitted past the gates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is BMO Field's capacity for the World Cup?

BMO Field was expanded to 45,736 seats for FIFA World Cup 2026. This is roughly 15,000 more than its standard Toronto FC capacity, achieved through temporary upper-tier stands added at both ends.

Can I bring a bag into BMO Field?

Yes, but it must not exceed 30×20×15 cm. Think small purse or a slim daypack — no full backpacks. All bags are searched at entry. Oversized bags are not checked, they are turned away.

Is there parking at BMO Field for the World Cup?

Very limited. Exhibition Place has some surface lots but they fill up extremely early and street closures will affect access. Transit is strongly recommended. If you're driving from out of town, park at a GO station and take the train in.

Are the temporary stands safe?

Yes. All temporary structures at FIFA World Cup venues are engineered to meet FIFA's safety certifications, which are equivalent to permanent stadium standards. They've been in use at major events globally for decades.

Where do I buy tickets if I don't have them yet?

Official tickets through the FIFA ticketing portal. Fan-to-fan resale via the FIFA Marketplace requires a FIFA+ account. For third-party resale, StubHub typically has inventory at a premium. See our full Toronto tickets guide for more.