Canada World Cup 2026 Tickets

Canada prepares to host the men’s World Cup for the first time in the nation’s history. After successfully staging the 2015 Women’s World Cup, the country now welcomes the world’s premier football tournament alongside co-hosts United States and Mexico. Thirteen matches will unfold across two spectacular Canadian cities – Toronto and Vancouver – showcasing the nation’s multicultural energy, world-class infrastructure, and stunning natural backdrops.

This comprehensive guide delivers everything you need to experience the World Cup in Canada – from securing match tickets and understanding visa requirements to exploring each host city’s unique character and navigating between venues.

Canada World Cup 2026: Tournament Overview

The 2026 World Cup represents a landmark moment for Canadian football. As co-host alongside the USA and Mexico, Canada automatically qualifies for the expanded 48-team tournament and gains home advantage for a historic World Cup campaign. The Canadian national team will play at least two group stage matches on home soil, creating unprecedented opportunities for domestic supporters to witness their team compete at football’s highest level.

Toronto and Vancouver will host all thirteen Canadian fixtures, splitting duties between BMO Field and BC Place. These venues underwent significant upgrades to meet international standards while preserving their distinctive character. The tournament runs from June 11 through July 19, with Canadian matches concentrated in the group stage and early knockout rounds.

Securing Your Canada World Cup Tickets

World Cup tickets represent sport’s most coveted items. With only thirteen matches spread across two Canadian cities, securing seats requires quick action when tickets become available. Here’s your step-by-step purchasing guide:

1. Choose your target fixture and click ‘Find Tickets’
2. Pick your preferred seating zone using the stadium diagram
3. Specify the number of tickets you’re purchasing
4. Hit the ‘Get now’ button
5. Complete the order form with your information
6. Double-check all details for accuracy
7. Click ‘Make Payment’
8. Done – tickets secured!

Ticket prices vary based on match importance, seating location, and venue. Group stage fixtures featuring Canada will command premium prices due to local demand, while other group matches may offer more accessible entry points. Book early – Canadian matches will sell rapidly given limited inventory and strong domestic interest.

Canada Host Cities and Stadiums

Two iconic Canadian cities will welcome World Cup football, each offering distinct experiences while showcasing the nation’s diversity and natural beauty.

City	Stadium	Capacity	Matches	Tournament Phases
Toronto	BMO Field	45,000	6	Group Stage, Round of 32
Vancouver	BC Place	54,000	7	Group Stage, Round of 32

Toronto: Canada’s Multicultural Hub

Toronto stands as Canada’s largest and most diverse city, with over half its population born outside the country. This remarkable diversity creates a genuine cultural melting pot where communities from every corner of the globe converge. The city’s spectacular skyline, passionate sports culture, and international character make it an ideal World Cup host.

BMO Field, home of MLS’s Toronto FC, underwent expansion from 30,000 to 45,000 seats specifically for the tournament. Located on the city’s waterfront, the venue offers excellent accessibility via public transport and sits minutes from downtown attractions. Toronto’s six World Cup matches will benefit from the city’s established football culture and enthusiastic local support.

Vancouver: Mountains Meet the Ocean

Vancouver delivers one of the tournament’s most picturesque settings. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, the city provides a stunning natural backdrop that few sporting venues worldwide can match. This West Coast gem combines outdoor adventure culture with cosmopolitan sophistication.

BC Place features a distinctive retractable roof and hosted the 2015 Women’s World Cup Final between USA and Japan. With capacity for 54,000 supporters, it ranks as Canada’s larger venue and will host seven tournament matches. The stadium’s downtown location places it within walking distance of numerous hotels, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Fan Festival Locations in Canada

Can’t secure stadium tickets? Official Fan Festivals provide public viewing venues where supporters can experience World Cup atmosphere without match access. These celebrations feature giant screens broadcasting live fixtures, food vendors, entertainment, and activities celebrating football culture.

City	Fan Festival Location	Estimated Capacity
Toronto	Fort York & The Bentway	15,000-20,000
Vancouver	Hastings Park / PNE Grounds	20,000+

Essential Information for Visiting Canada

Visa and Entry Requirements

UK citizens visiting Canada for the World Cup require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) rather than a traditional visa. This simplified process applies to short stays and costs just $7 CAD.

Apply online at canada.ca/eta before your departure. Processing typically completes within minutes, though applying several days before travel is recommended. The eTA remains valid for up to five years or until your passport expires.

Important note: eTA applies only to air travel. If entering Canada by land or sea from the United States, you don’t technically require eTA, though obtaining one regardless is advisable for flexibility.

Currency and Payments

Canada uses the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit and debit cards are universally accepted throughout the country, with contactless payments standard at most retailers and venues. ATMs are abundant in both host cities if you need cash. International cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) work without issues.

When purchasing tickets or making large payments, note that prices in Canada are quoted in CAD. Your payment provider may apply currency conversion fees, so check exchange rates and any additional charges beforehand.

Language

Canada recognizes two official languages – English and French. English dominates in Toronto and Vancouver, making communication straightforward for UK visitors. Both cities feature significant immigrant populations, creating linguistically diverse environments where many languages are spoken, though English remains universally understood.

Time Zones

Canada’s two host cities operate in different time zones:

Eastern Time (ET): Toronto

Pacific Time (PT): Vancouver

During the World Cup in summer, Vancouver will be three hours behind Toronto. Account for this difference when scheduling travel between cities or planning to watch matches in different locations.

Weather Expectations During the World Cup

The tournament runs during Canada’s summer months (June-July), bringing generally pleasant conditions ideal for outdoor festivities and fan zones. However, the two host cities experience different climate patterns:

City	Average High	Average Low	Conditions
Toronto	25-27°C (77-81°F)	15-17°C (59-63°F)	Warm and humid, occasional rain
Vancouver	21-23°C (70-73°F)	13-15°C (55-59°F)	Mild and breezy, less humidity

Pack light layers for Toronto along with an umbrella for potential showers. Vancouver typically experiences milder conditions with less humidity, making it comfortable for extended outdoor activities at fan zones. Both cities can experience rain during summer months, so waterproof outerwear is advisable regardless of your destination.

Flying to Canada from the UK

Both Canadian host cities offer direct flight access from London, making travel straightforward for UK supporters:

City	Airport	Direct from UK?	UK Departure Airport	Flight Duration
Toronto	Toronto Pearson (YYZ)	Yes	London Heathrow	7-8 hours
Vancouver	Vancouver International (YVR)	Yes	London Heathrow	9-10 hours

Airport to City Transport

Toronto Pearson Airport – Located approximately 25km from downtown. UP Express train provides direct service to Union Station in 25 minutes. Alternatively, taxis, rideshares, and TTC public transit connect the airport to the city center (30-45 minutes depending on traffic).

Vancouver International Airport – Situated just 12km from downtown. Canada Line SkyTrain offers rapid transit to the city center in 25 minutes. Taxis and rideshares provide direct door-to-door service (25-35 minutes).

Travel Between Canadian Host Cities

Toronto and Vancouver sit on opposite sides of Canada, separated by over 4,000 kilometers. This vast distance makes air travel the only practical option for moving between host cities during the tournament.

By Air – Direct flights connect Toronto and Vancouver in approximately 5 hours. Multiple airlines operate this route with frequent daily service. Book flights early as demand will surge during the World Cup period.

By Train or Car – Not recommended. The transcontinental journey requires multiple days by train or car, consuming valuable tournament time. Save these options for post-tournament exploration if you have extra time in Canada.

Travel Between Host Nations

The 2026 World Cup spans three countries, creating opportunities to experience multiple host nations during the tournament. Understanding border crossing requirements and transport options helps maximize your World Cup journey.

Entry Requirements for UK Citizens

Country	Entry Type	Duration	Application
Canada	eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)	Up to 6 months	Apply at canada.ca/eta
USA	ESTA (Visa Waiver)	Up to 90 days	Apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov
Mexico	No visa required	Up to 180 days	Immigration form on arrival

Transport Options Between Countries

Flying – The fastest and most convenient option. Numerous daily flights connect Toronto and Vancouver with major US cities and Mexican destinations including Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.

Driving – Possible for US-Canada border crossings, though rental agreements and insurance require verification. Land border crossings can experience delays during peak periods. No direct road connections exist to Mexico from Canada.

Train – Amtrak provides limited cross-border service from the US to Canada, though no passenger rail connects Canada to Mexico.

Football Culture in Canada

Canada approaches the 2026 World Cup with a football culture undergoing remarkable transformation. While ice hockey and lacrosse traditionally dominated the sporting landscape, soccer has experienced explosive growth in recent decades.

The men’s national team first qualified for the World Cup in 1986, though the tournament brought disappointment with three straight losses and group stage elimination. After a 36-year absence, Canada returned to the global stage at Qatar 2022, marking a new chapter in the nation’s football journey.

The women’s team has achieved far greater success, winning Olympic gold in 2021 and consistently challenging at major tournaments. Their accomplishments have raised the sport’s profile domestically and inspired new generations of Canadian players.

Major League Soccer’s expansion into Canada accelerated the sport’s growth. Three Canadian clubs – Toronto FC, Vancouver Whitecaps, and CF Montréal – compete in MLS, attracting international stars like Didier Drogba and Jermaine Defoe. These high-profile signings have elevated fan engagement and demonstrated Canadian markets can support top-tier professional football.

The current generation boasts genuine world-class talent. Alphonso Davies of Bayern Munich and Jonathan David of Juventus lead a squad capable of surprising opponents. With home advantage and growing confidence, Canada could emerge as a genuine dark horse at this tournament.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many World Cup matches will Canada host?

Canada will host 13 of the tournament’s 104 total matches. These fixtures will be split between Toronto (6 matches) and Vancouver (7 matches), including group stage games and Round of 32 knockout fixtures.

Which Canadian cities will host World Cup matches?

Two cities will host matches – Toronto at BMO Field and Vancouver at BC Place. Both venues underwent upgrades to meet international standards while accommodating increased capacity for the tournament.

When does the World Cup begin in Canada?

While the tournament opens in Mexico City on June 11, 2026, matches in Canada begin shortly after. Both Toronto and Vancouver will host fixtures throughout the group stage, with specific dates confirmed after the final draw on December 5, 2025.

Will Canada play home matches during the World Cup?

Yes, as co-host, Canada automatically qualifies and will play at least two group stage matches on home soil, likely split between Toronto and Vancouver. Final match locations will be determined after the draw.

How do I travel between Toronto and Vancouver?

Flying is the only practical option. Direct flights take approximately 5 hours and operate frequently throughout the day. Train or car travel is not recommended due to the 4,000+ kilometer distance requiring multiple days.

What’s the weather like during the World Cup in Canada?

June and July bring summer conditions. Toronto experiences warm, humid weather (25-27°C highs) with occasional rain. Vancouver offers milder, breezier conditions (21-23°C) with less humidity. Pack light layers and waterproof outerwear for both cities.

Do I need a visa to visit Canada for the World Cup?

UK citizens don’t need a traditional visa but require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Apply online at canada.ca/eta for $7 CAD. Processing typically completes within minutes, though applying several days before departure is recommended.

Can I travel to the USA and Mexico from Canada during the tournament?

Yes. UK citizens can enter all three host nations with relatively simple processes. Canada requires eTA, the USA requires ESTA, and Mexico permits visa-free entry. Flying provides the most efficient transport between countries.

What currency are tickets sold in for Canadian matches?

Tickets for matches in Canada are priced in Canadian Dollars (CAD). International purchases may incur currency conversion fees from your payment provider.

When should I arrive at stadiums before matches?

Arrive at least 2-3 hours before kickoff. This allows time for security screening, navigating crowds, and enjoying pre-match atmosphere. Matches featuring Canada may require even earlier arrival due to higher local demand.

Are Fan Festivals free to attend?

Yes, Fan Festivals are free public events open to everyone. They provide viewing areas, entertainment, and activities for supporters without stadium tickets.

What public transport options serve the stadiums?

Both venues offer excellent public transport access. Toronto’s BMO Field connects via GO Transit, TTC streetcars, and buses, with Exhibition Station directly adjacent. Vancouver’s BC Place is served by SkyTrain’s Expo Line (Stadium-Chinatown Station) and multiple bus routes. Public transport is recommended on match days due to limited parking and heavy traffic.

What food is available at Canadian stadiums?

Both BC Place and BMO Field offer diverse food options including traditional stadium fare, local specialties like poutine and smoked meat sandwiches, craft beer, and vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free alternatives. Menus may expand for the World Cup with additional vendors and themed offerings.

Can I resell my Canadian World Cup tickets if I can’t attend?

Yes, tickets can be resold through authorized platforms. Contact customer service for assistance listing tickets on consignment. If successfully resold, you’ll receive a refund; if not, tickets return to you.

What items are prohibited at World Cup stadiums?

Standard prohibitions include weapons, alcohol, large bags, professional cameras, offensive banners, and drones. Both venues conduct bag checks and metal detection. Specific guidelines will be published closer to the tournament.

Book Your Canada World Cup Experience Today

The 2026 World Cup offers Canada an unprecedented opportunity to showcase its multicultural character, world-class venues, and passionate football culture on the global stage. With only thirteen matches across two spectacular cities, tickets represent limited but valuable opportunities to witness this historic tournament.

Don’t wait to secure your place at Canada’s first men’s World Cup. Matches featuring the home nation will sell rapidly, and even neutral fixtures will attract strong demand. Book early to guarantee your seats and begin planning an unforgettable Canadian World Cup adventure.