Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Toronto and Ontario Deadlocked Over $39 Million FIFA World Cup 2026 Funding Gap

With 13 months until the first match, the city and province refuse to budge on their financial commitments, leaving critical costs unresolved.

Overview

  • Toronto's hosting of six FIFA World Cup 2026 matches is projected to cost $380 million, with the city, province, and federal government sharing expenses.
  • The federal government has committed $104 million, while Ontario has pledged $97 million, including $39 million already allocated to provincial services like policing, health care, and transit.
  • Mayor Olivia Chow has capped Toronto's contribution at $178.7 million, stating the city cannot allocate additional funds to cover the shortfall.
  • Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy reaffirmed the province's $97 million limit, rejecting calls to increase its contribution for unbudgeted service costs.
  • With no resolution to the funding gap, Toronto officials have hinted at scaling back commitments for the June 2026 matches if additional funding is not secured.