Canada’s role in hosting the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup is expected to cost more than $1 billion, with public spending estimated at $82 million per match, according to a new report from the Parliamentary Budget Officer.
Canada will co-host the tournament with the United States and Mexico, with Canadian games scheduled between June 11 and July 19. Toronto and Vancouver will host 13 matches in total, including seven in Vancouver and six in Toronto.
The Parliamentary Budget Officer estimates Canada’s total hosting cost at $1.07 billion. Ottawa is expected to cover $473 million, while the remaining costs will fall to provincial and municipal governments.
As of April, the City of Toronto planned to spend $380 million on World Cup hosting expenses, including support from existing federal grants. British Columbia planned to spend $578 million tied to its hosting responsibilities.
The report estimates Canada’s cost per game at $82 million. The budget watchdog noted the figure lines up with public spending seen in previous FIFA World Cup events.
Past tournaments carried different per-game costs. Russia spent an estimated $109 million per game in 2018, while Brazil spent $125 million in 2014. South Africa’s 2010 tournament cost $101 million per game. Germany’s 2006 World Cup came in lower, at $51 million per match, while the 1998 tournament in Japan and South Korea cost $112 million per game.
British Columbia has projected major economic benefits from hosting. A backgrounder based on provincial estimates said the World Cup could add $1 billion to B.C.’s GDP.
The province also expects more than one million visitors to spend over $1 billion during the event. B.C. estimates tax revenues could reach up to $224 million.
Toronto’s budget breakdown projects $236 million in total revenues. About $35 million is expected from commercial and rental fees, along with operating services. The rest would come from reserve funding, federal grants and provincial grants.
With less than two weeks until kickoff, governments face growing scrutiny over whether the projected tourism and tax benefits will justify the public cost.
