Item - 2025.FWC4.2

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Subcommittee recommends that:

1. Executive Committee request the the Executive Director, FIFA World Cup 2026, Toronto Secretariat to report directly to the May 21, 22 and 23, 2025 meeting of City Council on the status of intergovernmental funding related to hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Toronto.

The FIFA World Cup 26 will be the biggest single-sport event in history, with 48 teams contesting 104 matches over 39 days across 16 Host Cities in three host countries. More than six million tickets are expected to be available to fans, and the biggest-ever hospitality programme in the history of the tournament will be delivered. Millions of supporters are expected to flock to the 16 Host Cities across Canada, Mexico and the United States, attending matches and visiting FIFA Fan Festival™ sites, booking hotels or short-term accommodation, and visiting the world-class cultural sites and entertainment destinations offered by all 16 Host Cities.

An economic impact study prepared by Deloitte Canada, estimates that preparing for and hosting the FIFA World Cup 26 will contribute up to $3.8 billion in positive economic output for Canada as a host nation, between the period June 2023 to August 2026. The findings estimate positive contributions of $2 billion to Canadian gross domestic product (GDP), $1.3 billion to labour income and $700m to government revenue, as well as the creation and preservation of 24,100 jobs across the country over the period under analysis.

Additional findings estimate that preparing for and hosting the FIFA World Cup 26 could contribute $1.3 billion in positive economic output in the province of Ontario, with Toronto set to host six tournament matches. The report estimates positive contributions of $700 million to the GDP of the province of Ontario, $460 million to labour income and $100 million to government revenue, as well as the creation and preservation of more than 8,700 jobs over the period under analysis (June 2023 to August 2026).

With one year to go, it is crucial the commitment from all stakeholders is confirmed and funding to cover tournament expenditures is secured.  Given the economic benefits for Canada and the Province of Ontario as part of hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026, this letter requests an update on inter-governmental funding to ensure all parties are fulfilling their commitments, maintaining transparency and accountability.