Toronto's BMO field getting $150M facelift ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

The men's FIFA World Cup is nearly a year away, and the downtown Toronto stadium that will play host to six tournament matches is getting a nearly $150-million facelift.

On Monday, the city revealed plans to upgrade BMO Field, which is owned by the city and managed by Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), into a "state-of-the-art venue" capable of hosting the world's largest soccer tournament, according to a news release. The city and MLSE are spending $123 million and� $23 million, respectively.

"The transformation of BMO Field exemplifies the City's commitment to providing world-class facilities for FIFA World Cup 26 with a view to enriching the sports and recreation opportunities for Torontonians long after the tournament ends," Sharon Bollenbach, executive director of FIFA World Cup 2026 Toronto, said in the release.

The stadium's seating capacity is being increased from about 31,000 to 45,000 — with 17,000 temporary seats being added on grandstands at the north and south ends of the field.

Permanent changes include four new videoboards as well as upgrades to locker rooms, lighting, audio, broadcast infrastructure and stadium Wi-Fi, the release says.

A new rooftop patio with capacity for 1,000 fans will be added to the north side of the stadium, along with a new centre-field lounge on the stadium's west side, the city says.

Then there's the field itself, which "will undergo a comprehensive upgrade to meet world-class standards," the release says.

Construction will be completed in two phases, the city says, with the first already underway and ending in August. The second phase will take place from December 2025 to March 2026 to ensure enhancements are completed in time for the first tournament match in June