The 2026 FIFA World Cup represents for Canada not only the opportunity to host matches in the world’s largest sporting event, but also a chance to position itself as a stronger actor in the global economy, writes Dr Salvador Trevino, Associate Professor at University Canada West.
Co-hosted with the US and Mexico, this summer’s World Cup will be the largest tournament in FIFA history, featuring an expanded pool of 48 teams and an expected global television audience exceeding five billion viewers.
For Canada, the event is both a sporting celebration and a strategic economic opportunity.
Host cities such as Toronto and Vancouver are already undergoing significant transformation in preparation for the tournament.
Investments are being directed toward stadium upgrades, transportation systems, and urban infrastructure, creating a framework for modernization that goes well beyond the tournament itself.
In Toronto, improvements to BMO Field, which will expand to approximately 45,000 seats for the tournament, and investments in transit connectivity are part of the city’s preparations.
In Vancouver, BC Place, already one of the most advanced sports venues in the country, will also undergo technological and operational upgrades to meet FIFA requirements.
These projects contribute to broader urban development strategies designed to improve mobility, accessibility, and international competitiveness.
Such infrastructure improvements are expected to generate an economic environment that extends far beyond the duration of the tournament.
However, it is essential that these investments remain aligned with the long-term development strategies of the host cities. When infrastructure spending is integrated with broader urban planning goals, the benefits can extend for decades.
At the same time, infrastructure spending must be carefully evaluated in relation to the public costs associated with hosting the tournament.
Governments at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels will contribute significant funding to support stadium upgrades, security, and logistics. As such, estimates suggest that public spending connected to the World Cup in Canada could exceed CAD$300–400 million.
These investments must therefore be examined within the broader context of national priorities such as healthcare, education, and housing.
In the short-term, the tournament is expected to generate substantial economic activity, particularly in the tourism, hospitality, transportation, and retail sectors.
Tourism authorities estimate that the World Cup could bring hundreds of thousands of international visitors to Canadian host cities during the tournament period.
According to projections from tourism and event economists, the overall financial impact could reach CAD$2 billion or more in economic activity across the country.
The global media exposure associated with the World Cup will also provide Canada with an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen its international brand. Broadcast coverage reaching billions of viewers worldwide will showcase Canadian cities, culture, and infrastructure, reinforcing the nation’s reputation as a modern, open, and globally connected nation.
This kind of exposure can translate into future gains in tourism, foreign investment, and international business partnerships.
Additionally, tourism projections suggest that while there may be an initial surge of visitors during the tournament, the true value lies in the long-term image effect. Cities that successfully host major global events often experience sustained increases in tourism in the years that follow, as global audiences become more familiar with the destination.
Beyond tourism, several key sectors of the Canadian economy are likely to benefit from the event’s economic momentum. Industries such as construction, logistics, hospitality, IT, security, and media production will play essential roles in delivering the tournament.
While many of the jobs created will be temporary, the economic activity generated can produce a broader multiplier effect, stimulating spending and employment across the wider economy.
As with most mega-events, employment gains are expected to be strongest in the short-term. However, if managed strategically, the World Cup can contribute to longer-term economic development, particularly if investments in infrastructure and international branding are leveraged to attract future events, tourism, and investment.
Transparency will be a critical factor in maintaining public trust – Canadians will expect governments to clearly communicate how public funds are being allocated and how they complement private investment in the event.
Transparent accounting of costs and benefits will help citizens understand the net economic impact of hosting the tournament and reinforce confidence in public decision-making.
The distribution of economic benefits will likely be concentrated in urban areas such as Toronto and Vancouver, particularly within sectors like hospitality, tourism, and entertainment.
However, the broader Canadian economy can also benefit through increased tax revenues, including sales taxes, service taxes, and other economic spillovers generated by the event.
Ultimately, the long-term legacy of the tournament will depend on Canada’s ability to balance initial investment with sustainable long-term outcomes. The infrastructure built or upgraded for the World Cup must remain useful well beyond the event itself.
Planning for the future use of stadiums, transportation systems, and public spaces will be essential in avoiding the well-known “white elephant” problem that has affected some previous mega-event hosts.
Canada should therefore approach the tournament not only as a sporting spectacle, but as a strategic opportunity to strengthen its infrastructure, enhance urban development, and improve its international visibility.
The real measure of success for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will not simply be the number of matches hosted or visitors received. Instead, it will be whether the tournament leaves Canada more competitive, more connected, and more visible on the global stage.
