Canada recently concluded its role as a host nation for the FIFA World Cup, marking the first time men’s World Cup games were held on Canadian soil. The tournament, which featured an expanded 48-team format, saw Vancouver and Toronto among the 16 host cities across Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
The final match, held in East Rutherford, N.J., saw Spain defeat Argentina 1-0, with Ferran Torres scoring in the 106th minute. This marked the culmination of more than five weeks of soccer celebrations across the country.
Canada’s World Cup Journey and Impact
Adam van Koeverden, Canada’s Secretary of State for Sport, described the event as an “extraordinary journey for all Canadians.” He highlighted the tournament as a significant step forward for Canadian soccer, asserting that Canada is now a “soccer nation.”
During the final, several notable Canadians were in attendance. Pop star Justin Bieber performed the tournament’s first-ever halftime show for a crowd of 80,663. Other Canadian personalities present included rapper Drake, Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, singer-songwriter Tate McRae, and model-actress Winnie Harlow. Prime Minister Mark Carney and his wife, Diana Fox Carney, watched the game from a suite, alongside U.S. President Donald Trump, Melania Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Prime Minister Carney noted on social media that hundreds of thousands of fans across the country supported Canada’s national squad, which played with “extraordinary character, resilience, and grit.” He stated that Canada’s soccer journey is just beginning, with “the best is yet to come.”
Toronto’s Hosting Experience
Toronto’s role as a co-host city concluded more than two weeks prior to the final, having hosted six games. Tyeshia Redden, an assistant professor of urban planning at the University of Toronto, commented that Toronto’s hosting “went really well in terms of social impact,” citing upgrades to BMO Field and a new training ground at Centennial Park as lasting amenities. She also praised the city’s ability to create a fun atmosphere for crowds.
However, the economic benefits projected by tournament boosters did not fully materialize. A full accounting of Toronto’s games, including whether the city stayed within its $380 million hosting budget, is expected to be released in the coming months. City staff plan to release early data next week.
Matt Serson, a director with the Canada supporters group the Voyageurs, found Toronto’s logistics, such as transit, stadium access, and fan zones, to be “exceptionally well” managed compared to other host cities. He highlighted the temporary streetcar hub built by the TTC near BMO Field and the assistance from police in organizing a march of 1,000 fans.
For Toronto’s bars and restaurants, the event yielded mixed results. Kelly Higginson, CEO of Restaurants Canada, reported that overall sales were up 3 per cent over the same period last year, which is roughly equivalent to inflation. Businesses near BMO Field or those showing World Cup matches were busy, while others experienced a downturn as people avoided downtown on game days. Some establishments made investments in anticipation of a customer surge that did not occur.
Hotel occupancy rates in the second week of the tournament were 72 per cent, a decrease from 86 per cent during the same period last year, according to the Greater Toronto Hotel Association. Preliminary data suggests the week ending July 3, Toronto’s last as a host, showed improved numbers.
Traffic management during the World Cup in Toronto was largely successful. Car volumes on the Gardiner Expressway were between 10 and 30 per cent lower than normal on the six match days. While car travel times downtown increased by up to 24 per cent near the stadium and fan festival areas, citywide gridlock did not consistently increase. TTC ridership on five corridors serving the World Cup saw a 40 per cent jump compared to the previous year.
The Fan Festival, which cost the city an estimated $25 million, faced challenges including cancellations due to weather and wildfire smoke, crowd management issues, and worker complaints regarding unpaid wages. Coun. Josh Matlow questioned the wisdom of the city’s spending on the tournament and called for an audit by Toronto’s auditor general. A spokesperson for Mayor Olivia Chow stated that a “full analysis” will be conducted to evaluate performance and determine lessons for future events once the tournament concludes.
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Source: ca.finance.yahoo.com
