Toronto hosts 6 matches at the 2026 World Cup, including Canada’s opening match on 12 June at BMO Field (45,736 seats). Vancouver hosts 7 matches, including Canada vs Qatar (18 June) and Canada vs Switzerland (24 June) at BC Place (54,500 seats) — the only covered stadium in the tournament. Both Fan Festivals are free to attend. The Canada eTA costs just CAD 7 and takes minutes to obtain at Canada.ca. Book your accommodation now: Vancouver is already at 90% occupancy.
Canada is hosting its first home World Cup: two cities, two exceptional stadiums, and an electric atmosphere. Toronto and Vancouver together stage 13 of the 104 matches in the biggest World Cup in history — with 48 qualified teams. From the tournament’s only 100% football-dedicated stadium (BMO Field) to the only covered venue among all 16 sites (BC Place), Canada is making a statement. For British supporters flying over to Canada for the tournament, here is the complete guide to experiencing the World Cup: tickets, stadiums, transport, accommodation, eTA, fan zones and the must-see attractions of both cities.
Toronto: Canada’s Opening Match at BMO Field
Toronto Stadium (Renovated BMO Field)
Located at Exhibition Place, Toronto Stadium — a temporary FIFA-mandated name (no sponsors allowed) — is the fully renovated BMO Field, rebuilt to the tune of CAD 157.9 million. It holds a unique distinction among all 16 tournament venues: it is the only 100% dedicated football stadium in North America, home to Toronto FC since 2007. Its capacity has jumped to 45,736 seats thanks to 17,745 temporary seats added to the north and south stands. According to Global News, the renovations delivered a hybrid pitch, four new corner LED panels and upgraded changing rooms.
Schedule of Toronto’s 6 Matches
| Date | Local Time (ET) | UK Time (BST) | Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 June | 15:00 | 20:00 BST | Canada vs Bosnia-Herzegovina (opening match) |
| 17 June | 19:00 | 00:00 BST +1d | Ghana vs Panama |
| 20 June | 16:00 | 21:00 BST | Germany vs Ivory Coast |
| 23 June | 19:00 | 00:00 BST +1d | Panama vs Croatia |
| 26 June | 15:00 | 20:00 BST | Senegal vs Iraq |
| 2 July | 19:00 | 00:00 BST +1d | R32 (TBD) |
Opening ceremony time: 13:30 ET on 12 June (Michael Bublé, Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara). Source: toronto.ca official.
Getting to the Stadium from the Airport
From Pearson Airport (YYZ): take the UP Express to Union Station in 25 minutes (CAD 12, every 15 minutes). From Union Station: tram 509 Harbourfront or 511 Bathurst (5-minute frequency on match days) → Fleet Hub → 5-minute walk. According to the TTC, a Day Pass costs CAD 13.50 and covers the metro, tram and bus. Avoid taxis on match evenings — always use public transport.
Highlights
- The only 100% football stadium across all 16 World Cup 2026 venues — guaranteed pure football atmosphere
- Canada’s opening match on 12 June — a historic moment on home soil
- Ontario anti-scalping law: resale capped at face value, protecting supporters
- Toronto = the world’s most diverse city (200+ nationalities, BBC) — unique multicultural atmosphere
- Free Fan Festival at Fort York / The Bentway (registration via Ticketmaster)
What to Do in Toronto During the World Cup
Toronto: The Most Diverse City on Earth
With over 200 ethnic backgrounds and more than 50% of its population born outside Canada, Toronto is officially the most diverse city on the planet according to the BBC. You’ll feel this at every turn during the World Cup: peameal bacon at Carousel Bakery (St. Lawrence Market, voted « World’s Best Food Market » by National Geographic), souvlaki in Greektown, dim sum in Chinatown, Mexican tacos in Kensington Market. According to Destination Toronto, St. Lawrence Market has been running since 1803 — it’s older than Canada itself.
Toronto’s Must-See Attractions
- CN Tower: 553 m, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, EdgeWalk from CAD 199+ (outdoor walk suspended at the top)
- Distillery District: Victorian industrial complex converted into galleries, craft bars — free entry
- Kensington Market: bohemian multicultural market, closed to traffic every last Sunday of the month
- Niagara Falls: 1.5–2 hours by bus, North America’s most powerful waterfall
- Pride Toronto: festival 25–28 June, parade on 28 June (coincides with World Cup quarter-finals)
Vancouver: BC Place, the Only Covered Stadium at the 2026 World Cup
BC Place — 54,500 Seats Under a Retractable Roof
Located right in the heart of Vancouver city centre, BC Place is the only stadium with a retractable roof across all 16 World Cup 2026 venues — a decisive advantage given June’s unpredictable rainfall in British Columbia. The central section of the roof (100 m × 85 m) opens in 20 minutes, supported by 36 masts standing 47 m tall and connected by 35 km of steel cable. Its 54,500 seats (no temporary extensions required) make Vancouver the largest Canadian stadium in the tournament. Renovations funded to the tune of CAD 171–181 million delivered a hybrid pitch grown in the Fraser Valley, new hospitality suites and extended Wi-Fi coverage, according to the Government of British Columbia.
Schedule of Vancouver’s 7 Matches
| Date | Local Time (PT) | UK Time (BST) | Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 June | 21:00 | 05:00 BST +1d | Australia vs Turkey |
| 18 June | 15:00 | 23:00 BST | Canada vs Qatar |
| 21 June | 18:00 | 02:00 BST +1d | New Zealand vs Egypt |
| 24 June | 12:00 | 20:00 BST | Canada vs Switzerland |
| 26 June | 20:00 | 04:00 BST +1d | New Zealand vs Belgium |
| 2 July | 20:00 | 04:00 BST +1d | R32 (TBD) |
| 7 July | 13:00 | 21:00 BST | R16 (TBD) |
Getting to the Stadium from the Airport
From Vancouver Airport (YVR): take the Canada Line to Main Street–Science World Station in 25 minutes (~CAD 9 + CAD 5 airport surcharge until 30 June, CAD 6.50 from 1 July). Then a 10-minute walk to BC Place’s main entrance (Carrall & Pacific Blvd). Important: Stadium-Chinatown Station is closed on match days — use only Main Street–Science World. TransLink Day Pass: CAD 11.95 until 30 June, CAD 12.55 from 1 July. Source: TransLink.
Highlights
- UNIQUE retractable roof across all 16 World Cup 2026 stadiums — matches guaranteed whatever the weather
- 7 matches including a Round of 16 (7 July) — the tournament runs in Vancouver through to mid-July
- Two Canada matches (18 and 24 June) — Group B decided on Canadian soil
- Stanley Park (400 ha) and Seawall (10 km) a 10-minute walk from the stadium — perfect to unwind between matches
- Richmond — the best Cantonese cuisine outside Hong Kong, according to Destination Canada
What to Do in Vancouver: Nature, Food and Culture
Vancouver: Outdoor Adventures and Diversity in One Place
Vancouver is the only World Cup 2026 host city where you can ski on a glacier in the morning and dine on a terrace overlooking the ocean that evening. In June, sunsets stretch past 21:30. Stanley Park (400 ha of old-growth forest right in the city) is home to the Seawall — 10 km of waterfront trail ranked Canada’s number-one walk. In the Richmond district (Canada Line from downtown, 15 minutes), 800 predominantly Asian restaurants offer a Cantonese dining experience some rank above Hong Kong. The Richmond Night Market (24 April – 20 September 2026) brings together 500 dishes and 100 vendors for a full meal at CAD 15–30, according to Active Vancouver.
Vancouver’s Must-See Attractions
- Stanley Park Seawall: 10 km of waterfront trail, free access, by bike or on foot
- Granville Island: unmissable covered public market, artisans, seafood (Aquabus CAD 3.50)
- Gastown: historic cobbled neighbourhood, Steam Clock, craft beer bars, art galleries
- Capilano Suspension Bridge: 140 m suspended bridge through coastal rainforest (CAD 74), 25 minutes away
- PNE Fan Festival: free entry with NO reservation required at Hastings Park, 25,000 visitors per day
Combined Toronto + Vancouver Itinerary: 10 Days
The Ideal Plan to See Both Cities and Catch at Least One Canada Match
The Toronto–Vancouver flight takes around 4.5 hours and runs more than 20 times daily (Air Canada, WestJet, Porter Airlines) from USD 162 according to WestJet. The VIA Rail train takes 4 days — romantic but impractical for a short World Cup trip. From the UK, fly direct from London Heathrow (LHR) to Toronto Pearson (YYZ) with Air Canada or British Airways (~8h30), or from Heathrow direct to Vancouver (YVR) with Air Canada (~9h30).
Suggested Itinerary (Matches 12 + 24 June)
| Days | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1–2 | Arrive Toronto YYZ from Heathrow, settle in, CN Tower, Distillery District |
| Day 3 | Niagara Falls day trip (guided tour with boat cruise), vineyards at Niagara-on-the-Lake |
| Day 4 | Match: Canada vs Bosnia-Herzegovina, 15:00 ET (20:00 BST) — opening atmosphere at BMO Field |
| Day 5 | Kensington Market, St. Lawrence Market, Art Gallery of Ontario |
| Day 6 | Flight Toronto → Vancouver (4h30), settle in, Gastown in the evening |
| Day 7 | Stanley Park Seawall, Granville Island, Richmond Night Market |
| Day 8 | Capilano Suspension Bridge or Whistler (1.5h via scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway) |
| Day 9 | Match: Canada vs Switzerland, 12:00 PT (20:00 BST) — decisive for qualification |
| Day 10 | Fly home from YVR to Heathrow, morning visit to Chinatown (Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden) |
Getting to Canada from the UK: Flights and Budget
London Heathrow → Toronto (YYZ) or London Heathrow → Vancouver (YVR)
Direct flights from London Heathrow to Toronto Pearson (YYZ) are operated by Air Canada and British Airways. Heathrow to Vancouver (YVR): Air Canada flies direct (~9h30). During the tournament, prices spike significantly around Canada match days. For cost comparisons with other host cities, Toronto is generally more affordable than Vancouver for accommodation.
Indicative Total Budget Per Person
| Item | Budget | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Return flight London → Toronto | £450–£650 | £750–£1,100 |
| Accommodation 7 nights Toronto | £200–£380 (hostel) | £1,300–£2,500 |
| Local transport TTC | ~£70 | ~£70 |
| Food for 7 days | £200–£260 | £300–£420 |
| Match tickets (1–2 matches) | £270–£380 | £580–£1,500+ |
| Niagara Falls day trip | £55–£75 | £90–£115 |
| Travel insurance | £35–£60 | £60–£90 |
| TOTAL estimate | £1,280–£1,905 | £3,080–£5,795 |
Note: Toronto’s HST (13% sales tax) plus the standard 18% tip means budgeting around 31% on top of displayed prices in restaurants and some services. Indicative rate: £1 ≈ CAD 1.82 (May 2026).
Practical Information — eSIM, Insurance and Day Trips
Stay connected from the moment you land in Toronto or Vancouver. Airalo offers Canada plans from USD 4.50 for 1 GB, running on the Rogers network (4G LTE). No physical SIM card needed — activate in minutes from the app.
From USD 4.50 for 1 GBYour EHIC card is not valid in Canada. Without insurance, a single night in hospital can cost CAD 2,700 or more. SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance covers medical emergencies, repatriation and trip cancellation for your World Cup trip.
From USD 56.28 / 4 weeksJust 1.5–2 hours by bus from downtown Toronto, Niagara Falls is Canada’s most iconic excursion. This full-day tour includes the Niagara Parkway circuit, photo stops and an optional Hornblower boat cruise. 4.8/5 across 2,924 reviews.
From CAD 100Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK citizens need a visa or eTA to visit Canada during the 2026 World Cup?
UK passport holders do not need a visa to enter Canada, but must obtain an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) before boarding their flight. The eTA costs CAD 7 (approximately £4), is valid for 5 years and takes just minutes to apply for at canada.ca/ircc. Important: any DUI conviction, even an old one, can trigger an automatic eTA refusal. Holding a match ticket does not guarantee entry to Canada, which remains at the discretion of border officers (CBSA). See our complete World Cup 2026 entry requirements guide for full details.
Toronto or Vancouver: which city should I choose for the 2026 World Cup?
Toronto hosts Canada’s opening match (12 June), 6 matches in total at BMO Field — the only 100% football stadium in the tournament. Accommodation is slightly more affordable. Ontario’s anti-scalping law protects supporters from ticket touting. Vancouver hosts 7 matches including two Canada matches (18 and 24 June) and a Round of 16 (7 July), with the unique advantage of BC Place’s retractable roof — ideal if the June weather looks uncertain. Vancouver is also closer to wild nature (Stanley Park, Capilano, Whistler). If you can only visit one city and want to see Canada play, pick Vancouver for the 24 June match (Canada vs Switzerland, decisive for qualification) at 20:00 BST — a perfect evening kick-off for British supporters.
How do I get from the airport to the stadium in Toronto and Vancouver?
Toronto: From Pearson Airport (YYZ), take the UP Express to Union Station in 25 minutes (CAD 12, every 15 minutes). From Union Station, tram 509 Harbourfront or 511 Bathurst takes you to Fleet Hub (5-minute frequency on match days), then a 5-minute walk to Toronto Stadium. TTC Day Pass: CAD 13.50. Vancouver: From YVR, the Canada Line runs to Main Street–Science World Station in 25 minutes (~CAD 9 + CAD 5 airport surcharge until 30 June). Then a 10-minute walk to BC Place. Key point: Stadium-Chinatown Station is closed on match days — only use Main Street–Science World. Source: TransLink.
Are the Fan Festivals genuinely free in Toronto and Vancouver?
Yes, both official FIFA Fan Festivals are free — though with different conditions. In Toronto (Fort York National Historic Site + The Bentway, under the Gardiner Expressway): entry is free but registration via Ticketmaster is required — the first batch of 220,000 free tickets sold out in 4 hours. Keep an eye out for new releases. In Vancouver (PNE, Hastings Park): free entry with no reservation needed, capacity of 25,000 visitors per day. A paid premium option gives access to the 10,000-seat amphitheatre with reserved seating. Both festivals screen all 104 matches and host concerts. Source: vancouverfwc26.ca and toronto.ca.
Is Niagara Falls worth a day trip from Toronto during the World Cup?
Absolutely. Just 1.5–2 hours by bus from downtown Toronto, Niagara Falls is Canada’s most iconic excursion. Organised tours including return transport, a guide and photo stops are available from CAD 100 per person. This Niagara Falls day trip from Toronto (4.8/5 across 2,924 reviews) includes the Niagara Parkway circuit and an optional Hornblower boat cruise at the base of the falls. During the World Cup, tours are in high demand — book at least 2–3 weeks ahead.
Will Alphonso Davies play for Canada at the 2026 World Cup?
The situation remains uncertain as of 17 May 2026. Canada captain Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich) suffered a left hamstring injury during the Champions League semi-final between PSG and Bayern in early May 2026. Bayern estimates 6 weeks of recovery, while Canada Soccer hopes for a return in 4–5 weeks. With Canada’s first match on 12 June, his participation is possible but uncertain. A rushed comeback would risk a setback. According to CBC Sports, the situation will be reassessed in early June. Canada also has strong alternatives: Jonathan David (Lille OSC, top scorer in Ligue 1 2024-25) and Alistair Johnston (Celtic FC).
What are the accommodation alternatives to central Vancouver for the World Cup?
Vancouver is facing a shortfall of around 70,000 room nights during peak match days, with 90% occupancy already reported. The average nightly rate has hit CAD 330 (an all-time record) and can exceed CAD 2,000 in luxury hotels. The best alternatives: Richmond (Canada Line — Bridgeport or Aberdeen Station, 15–20 minutes from the centre) offers hotels at 30–40% less and access to the best Cantonese dining outside Asia. Surrey (Canada Line or SkyTrain) is even more affordable. University residences at Simon Fraser University are available from around CAD 250/night and are well connected. Source: CBC News.
Sources
- FIFA — Official Host Cities — Match schedule and official information for all World Cup 2026 host cities
- City of Toronto — Match Schedule — Official Toronto match programme and events
- vanfc26.com — Vancouver Schedule — Official World Cup 2026 Vancouver match schedule
- Global News — BMO Field Renovations — Details of the CAD 157.9 million Toronto Stadium renovation
- Government of British Columbia — BC Place — Official communiqué on BC Place renovations
- TransLink — World Cup 2026 Transit Plan — Enhanced transit services for Vancouver during the World Cup
- TTC — Toronto Transit World Cup — Transit plan for match days in Toronto
- IRCC Canada.ca — eTA — Official information on the Electronic Travel Authorisation
- CBC News — Vancouver Hotel Shortage — Analysis of the accommodation situation in Vancouver during the World Cup
- CBC Sports — Alphonso Davies Injury — Medical update on the Canadian captain
- Vancouver FWC26 — Fan Festival — Official information on Vancouver’s PNE Fan Festival
- toronto.ca — Fort York Fan Festival — Official announcement of Toronto’s Fan Festival location
- Inside FIFA — CAD 3.8 Billion Economic Impact — Estimated economic impact of the World Cup for Canada
Research conducted 17 May 2026 — all information is subject to change, in particular match schedules and ticket prices.
Plan Your World Cup 2026 Trip to Canada
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