On Monday, March 3, the City of Toronto, in partnership with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), unveiled upgrade plans for BMO Field ahead of the FIFA World Cup 26™.

The upgrades, funded by a $123 million investment from the City and an additional $23 million from MLSE, aim to modernize BMO Field’s infrastructure, technology, and overall appeal.

The stadium’s capacity will expand to 45,000 with the addition of 10,000 temporary seats in the north grandstand and 7,000 in the south grandstand.

Along with the seating expansion, player facilities and locker rooms will be upgraded to meet the standards required for the six World Cup matches the venue is set to host.

The transformation of Toronto Stadium will occur in two phases: 

Phase 1 began in December 2024 during the off-seasons of Toronto FC and the Toronto Argonauts, with construction continuing through to August 2025.   

Phase 2 will take place from December 2025 to March 2026, ensuring that all enhancements are completed in time for the FIFA World Cup 26™. 

As renovations take place, BMO Field will remain open at capacity for all scheduled events. During portions of the 2025 TFC and Argonauts seasons, fans will be directed to use the southern gates for entry and exit as work on the north grandstands take place.

“MLSE is honoured to work alongside the City of Toronto to enhance BMO Field as we prepare to welcome the world next year." said Nick Eaves, Chief Operating Officer, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. "The exciting changes to the stadium not only elevate the experience for FIFA World Cup 26 but are also intentionally designed to permanently benefit Toronto sports fans for the future. We look forward to creating a lasting world-class sports experience for all fans entering the stadium for years to come. We are thankful to fans for their patience during this transformation period and for their enthusiasm that propels this impactful project forward.”