ไทย
English
中國人
TORONTO—The 2026 FIFA World Cup is on track to become the most costly edition of the tournament ever staged; nevertheless, organizers in Canada's two host cities, Toronto and Vancouver, are guaranteeing free admission to official programming.
While a number of World Cup host cities have reduced their FIFA Fan Fest events, both Canadian venues have planned largely free gatherings and loaded the mass watch parties with additional programming, including headline music acts throughout each day of the tournament.
For Toronto, the fourth-largest city in North America, the original bid pledged free Fan Fest access. It required a last-minute push from city councilors, however, to uphold that commitment after the city's executive committee proposed a $10 ticket to offset the World Cup's rapidly growing costs.
"I thought it was a slap in the face to the public to charge them for an event that they were promised to be free and inclusive," Toronto city councilor Josh Matlow tells Sports Illustrated, pointing to the $180 million CAD ($131.6 million USD) the city has already spent, through taxpayer funds, to host six World Cup matches, supplemental events and other expenses.
"We want our diverse city to be able to celebrate this international sporting event that we are hosting together. So we wanted to create a space where no matter who you are, no matter what country you're cheering for, no matter your financial means, you can be part of the festivities, that you can feel part of something, this potentially once-in-a-lifetime experience."
Matlow was a key figure in opposing Toronto's paid ticket proposal, ultimately securing the majority of free general admission spots, while priority access remains behind a paywall. The general admission zone will accommodate as many as 20,000 fans per day between June 11 and July 19 (aligned with tournament match days) at Fort York and the Bentway, less than a mile from Toronto Stadium (BMO Field).
When the first batch of reservations went live online last week, fans claimed 220,000 free general-admission tickets in just four hours. The next release is scheduled for Friday, with demand expected to climb even higher, given Toronto's reputation as the world's most diverse city — a 2021 census found it home to 200 ethnic groups speaking more than 140 languages.
Toronto's Fan Fest, along with the nearby celebration known as "Canada Soccer House," organized by Canada Soccer and situated between the downtown core and the stadium, will generate a "Disneyland" atmosphere, Matlow says, with potentially 75,000 fans lining Toronto's Lake Ontario shoreline swept up in World Cup excitement.
Meanwhile, Vancouver also provides free entry to its six-week FIFA Fan Fest at Hastings Park, with paid options for premium experiences. It will feature live match broadcasts, live performances, food offerings from across the province and cultural programming. The amphitheater's general admission floor will have an estimated capacity of 2,600 per match, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
U.S. Political Climate, Transit Pressure in Toronto
While the costs and preparations to host Canada's World Cup opening match on June 12 and five additional fixtures in Toronto were already substantial, attendance figures are expected to swell, given the downtown stadium location and the current political climate in the U.S.
"A lot of people feel more comfortable visiting Canada than the U.S., given just the political reality today," Matlow says, as Toronto gears up to host its first major global sporting event.
Toronto commuters will face no increase in transit fares beyond the standard one-way price of $2.30 CAD ($1.68 USD) — unlike several U.S. markets, including New Jersey, where fares climbed to $105 for trains to MetLife Stadium, and Boston, where a train to Foxboro will cost fans $80 for a round trip.
"The proof will be in the pudding if the transportation plans actually work," adds Matlow. "Toronto has done everything possible to prepare for a successful World Cup, but the proof will be in the pudding next month, as to how successful the city has been in hosting for the first time such a major world sporting event."
Vancouver Fan Fest Outside Downtown
While Toronto's Fan Fest is located near the stadium, Vancouver's is situated at the newly opened Pacific National Exhibition amphitheater (Hastings Park), approximately a 20-minute drive from BC Place and not accessible via rapid transit. At the 2015 Women's World Cup, Vancouver hosted a smaller Fan Fest in a parking lot near BC Place, but that location no longer meets the demands of 2026.
The PNE will offer multiple viewing areas across the festival grounds each day of the tournament, with the amphitheater holding up to 10,000, including 7,400 paid reserved seats alongside general admission. The full grounds, however, will accommodate up to 25,000 with 12 screens broadcasting live matches.
Vancouver will also host several viewing parties beyond the official Fan Fest, with an additional Canada Soccer House just a short ferry ride away in North Vancouver.