Sixteen stadiums in Mexico, Canada and the United States will stage the games during the first 48-team World Cup. RFI looks at the venues to be used between 11 June and 19 July.
Co-hosts Canada play their first Group B game on 12 June against Bosnia and Herzegovina at the BMO Field in Toronto – renamed the Toronto Stadium for the duration of the World Cup.
The BMO Field was built as Canada's first football-specific stadium. It opened in April 2007 and ahead of the 2026 World Cup underwent a €130 million renovation funded by the city and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), which manages the site. Capacity was increased to 45,000 and the changing rooms were upgraded for the six games held there.
New LED videoboards
Four new LED videoboards were added to the stadium's corner columns so fans can follow replays during matches.
"Sport brings us together, as Torontonians and Canadians," said Toronto mayor Olivia Chow ahead of the tournament. "As we prepare to host the World Cup, we're investing in infrastructure for Toronto's future. We are supporting Team Canada while investing in the next generation of great Canadian athletes."
After Canada's opener, Ghana and Panama meet at BMO Field on 17 June in their Group L opener. Germany face Cote d'Ivoire on 20 June, Panama return on 23 June against Croatia, and Senegal wrap up their Group I campaign against Iraq on 26 June.
Last 32 knockout games
BMO Field will also host a last-32 knockout game between the runners-up from Group K (Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia) and Group L (England, Croatia, Ghana and Panama).
"Toronto is not just preparing for a tournament, the city is shaping a legacy that will resonate for generations," said Sharon Bollenbach of the local organising committee. "The transformation of BMO Field exemplifies the city's commitment to providing world-class facilities for the World Cup, with a view to enriching sports and recreation opportunities for Torontonians long after the tournament ends."
After the World Cup, BMO Field will return to hosting Toronto FC of MLS and the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League.
