Canada leading the way when it comes to applications to volunteer at 2026 World Cup

Canada is leading the way when it comes to volunteering to work at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Organizers of the Canadian end of the tournament say Toronto and Vancouver rank one-two among the 16 host cities in the number of applications.

Of the more than 565,000 total volunteer applications to date, over 180,000 are to work in Canada (that number covers both Canadian and international applicants who want to volunteer in Canada).

"This country has always wrapped its arms around events and international events. It just shows you what this event means to Canadians. They want to be involved with it in any way, shape or form," said Canadian Victor Montagliani, who doubles as Concacaf president and FIFA vice-president. "So to be honest, I'm not really that surprised."

Organizers expect to use some 65,000 volunteers, including 6,000 in Canada, making the 2026 competition FIFA's largest-ever volunteer program.

Organizers say volunteers will provide support across 23 functional areas at official and non-official sites such as stadiums, training sites, airports, hotels and more.

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Waiting for the World Cup

The expanded 48-team, 104-game tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, is being hosted by Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. Toronto and Vancouver are the tournament's Canadian host cities, with six games scheduled for Toronto's BMO Field and seven at Vancouver's B.C. Place Stadium.

With the deadline to apply to be a volunteer expected in mid-September, the number of applicants is expected to grow.

"It's a good problem to have," said Peter Montopoli, the former longtime Canada Soccer general secretary who is now chief tournament officer for the Canadian