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🍁🏙️ ⚽ City of Toronto to Receive $104.34 Million in Federal Funding to Support Hosting Fifa World Cup 26 💵

Friday, 03 May 2024 06:52.AM

City of Toronto to receive $104.34 million in Federal funding to support hosting FIFA World Cup 26™

Mayor Olivia Chow and Federal Minister of Sport and Physical Activity, Carla Qualtrough, convened at Toronto Stadium (BMO Field) at Exhibition Place today to unveil $104.34 million in federal funding for Toronto to host six games in the FIFA World Cup 26™ (FWC26). The Mayor and Federal Minister Qualtrough were joined by Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Neil Lumsden.

This funding commitment will bolster both operational and capital expenditures related to Toronto's hosting of this global marquee event. The announcement formalized the all-of-government partnership to deliver Toronto’s matches and ancillary events.

In February, the Provincial government announced its commitment to support the FWC26 in Toronto by allocating $97 million in funding. These funds are intended to enhance the infrastructure and logistics necessary to ensure the successful hosting of the event, reflecting the significant economic and cultural benefits associated with hosting a FIFA World Cup™.

Toronto will host six matches in the FWC26 kicking off June 12, 2026, including the first-ever FIFA World Cup™ men’s match on Canadian soil with the opening match of Canada’s Men’s National Team. The games in Toronto conclude with a knockout round of 32 match on July 2, 2026.

Hosting the FIFA World Cup is expected to bring significant economic, cultural and community benefits to Toronto that will help to enhance the City's global profile. The economic impact is projected to aid the City’s long-term recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic particularly benefiting the tourism, hospitality and entertainment sectors. As with any major event, the City is working with partners to balance costs and benefits while ensuring that any public investment yields significant legacies and community benefits for Torontonians.

Based on the original assumption of five matches being held in Toronto, the FWC26 games in Toronto are anticipated to create more than 3,585 jobs, attract more than 300,000 out-of-town visitors and generate approximately $393 million in gross domestic product (GDP) for the city. The Province of Ontario is also expected to benefit with more than $456 million in GDP. The combined efforts of Vancouver and Toronto are projected to contribute over $1.2 billion to Canada's GDP. More than 3.5 billion people watch the FIFA World Cup™ every four years.

“We're thrilled to receive this funding from the Government of Canada. This support will help Toronto host a winning FIFA World Cup in 2026 and showcase our city to the world. The tournament will leave a lasting legacy, providing economic opportunities, cultural enrichment and a sense of pride in our community. Toronto is ready to shine on the world stage and we're grateful for the support to make this a reality.”
– Mayor Olivia Chow

SOURCE: City of Toronto

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