Item - 2025.EX28.31

The Executive Committee:

1. Received the report on the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw and Match Schedule outlined in the letter (December 9, 2025) from Councillor Mike Colle for information.

On December 5, 2025, the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) conducted the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026^TM (FWC26), following which the Match Schedule was released on December 6, 2025.

As Chair of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Subcommittee, I am excited to share the following information with you and request that this be added to the agenda of the December 9th meeting of the Executive Committee with the recommendation that it be received for information:

Final Draw – Group B

·         Canada

·         European Playoff A winner (Italy / Northern Ireland / Wales / Bosnia and Herzegovina)

·         Qatar

·         Switzerland

While we already knew that the three Host Countries, namely Canada, Mexico, and the United States were placed in Group B, Group A, and Group D respectively, we can now look forward to hosting a number of specific national teams and celebrating their presence with the many diverse communities that make up Toronto.

Toronto Match Schedule – all times EST

As the tournament progresses, we will know the two teams coming to Toronto for the July 2nd Round of 32 game.

Impacts on FWC26 Toronto Secretariat Workflow and Next Steps

Provided with the above information, the FWC26 Toronto Secretariat team and numerous other Divisions at the City of Toronto and external delivery partners are entering the next phase of planning for the hosting of the FWC26. Some areas of the work where planning will now be refined are detailed below.

Transportation Planning

The FWC26 Toronto Secretariat has been working closely with partners such as Transportation Services, the TTC, and Metrolinx on how best to get Toronto ready for the FWC26. Now that the match times are known, working groups can develop more specific plans for matchdays while solving for questions around road closures, ingress and egress from Toronto Stadium and FIFA Fan Festival, and requirements for any by-law amendments such as changes to parking regulations that will need to be brought forward for approvals.

FIFA Fan Festival

One of the most significant implications of the release of the final draw and match schedule is on the operations and timing of Toronto’s FIFA Fan Festival, and the potential by-law exemptions that would need to be approved with respect to the Fort York National Historic Site and The Bentway.

Communications Planning – “Know Before You Go”

The release of the FWC26 Draw and Match Schedule has already sparked heightened public and media interest, and excitement, across Toronto. To address this, the Communications Division, together with its partner organizations, is working to ensure residents and visitors to Toronto know what to expect during the event with a “Know Before You Go” campaign.

Local Neighbourhood Preparations with Liberty Village and Fort York

FWC26 Secretariat staff, in partnership with the Communications Division, Transportation Services, Economic Development and Culture, and Deputy Mayor Malik’s office, will continue to engage with residents and businesses in Ward 10 with the goal of ensuring the FWC26 experience is enjoyable and safe for everyone.

Culture and Community

Working in tandem with the Economic Development and Culture Division and Strategic Protocol and External Relations, heightened engagement with community partners, relevant Business Improvement Areas, the Consular Corps and other stakeholders will support initiatives that showcase and celebrate Toronto’s diverse communities, with particular focus on communities and Consulates of those nations playing matches in Toronto.