Toronto is starting to map out how people will get around during the FIFA World Cup 2026, and the plan is straightforward. Expect a busy city, and plan accordingly.
Credit: Bentway
The City has released its Mobility Plan, built with input from transit agencies, police and emergency services. The idea is to keep people moving while handling large crowds, especially on match days.
Those crowds will be significant. More than 45,000 spectators are expected at each game at Toronto Stadium. On top of that, up to 20,000 people could gather at the FIFA Fan Festival hosted at Fort York National Historic Site and The Bentway across 22 days between June 11 and July 19.
Getting there by car will not be an option. There will be no public parking near the stadium, Exhibition Place, or nearby neighbourhoods like Liberty Village and Fort York. Instead, the City is pushing public transit as the main way in and out, with service increases planned.
For those on foot or bike, there will be expanded routes and more temporary bike parking. Ride-hailing services will still operate, but only from designated areas outside restricted zones.
Road closures, parking limits and curb lane changes will vary depending on the day and location. A centralized mobility coordination centre will monitor conditions in real time and adjust traffic signals and enforcement as needed.
The plan still needs approval from City Council in April and will also be reviewed by FIFA, as required under the host agreement.
Toronto is set to host six matches starting June 2026, including a historic first men’s World Cup game on Canadian soil featuring Canada’s national team.
Per the news release, a Deloitte Canada assessment estimates the tournament could generate up to $940 million in economic output for the Greater Toronto Area, including $520 million in GDP growth and more than 6,600 jobs.