Canada is set to spend over CA$1 billion on hosting FIFA World Cup matches in 2026, according to a report released by the country’s Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO), the independent fiscal watchdog that provides analysis to federal lawmakers. The estimate has triggered debate over public spending priorities as the country prepares to co-host the global football tournament with the United States and Mexico.
The report states that the total public cost of hosting matches in Canada will amount to approximately CA$1.066 billion, covering expenditures by federal, provincial and municipal governments. This translates to about CA$82 million per game for the 13 matches scheduled to be played in the country during the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Canada will stage its fixtures across two cities—Toronto and Vancouver. Toronto is expected to host six matches, while Vancouver will host seven. The spending burden is shared across different levels of government, with the federal government contributing an estimated CA$473 million, while the remaining CA$593 million will be funded by provinces and host cities.
The budget breakdown includes infrastructure upgrades, operational expenses, and security arrangements required for managing the large-scale international event. Earlier, the federal government had already announced up to CA$145 million specifically for enhanced security operations, which will include increased policing, surveillance systems, border management support, and other public safety measures during the tournament period.
Officials have said that hosting the World Cup is expected to bring significant economic benefits, including tourism inflows, international exposure, and increased commercial activity. The government has projected that the event could add up to CA$2 billion to Canada’s economy, driven by visitor spending, hospitality demand, and global visibility.
However, the PBO report highlights that while economic gains are anticipated, the upfront public expenditure is substantial and consistent with costs seen in other countries that have hosted major international sporting events. The watchdog noted that the per-game cost aligns with historical spending patterns for World Cup matches in host nations, suggesting Canada’s figures are not unusual in a global context.
Preparations are already underway in Toronto and Vancouver, where stadium upgrades and supporting infrastructure developments are in progress to meet FIFA requirements. Both cities are expected to see increased activity in construction, transportation, hospitality, and security sectors as the event approaches.
Canada’s role as a co-host marks a significant moment in its sporting history, as it will be the first time the country hosts World Cup matches on home soil. The tournament itself will be the largest in FIFA history, featuring 48 teams and more than 100 matches across North America.
While supporters argue the event will boost Canada’s global profile and economy, critics have raised concerns about the rising costs borne by taxpayers, especially at a time when governments are also managing competing fiscal pressures in housing, healthcare and infrastructure.
As preparations continue, the $1 billion figure is likely to remain central to discussions about the balance between global sporting prestige and domestic public spending priorities.
