Ready for the Big Stage
As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup enters its final stretch, Toronto has sent a clear signal that it is ready for the global spotlight. On Saturday, BMO Field witnessed its largest-ever attendance as fans flocked to see Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in a high-stakes encounter that served as the perfect dress rehearsal for the upcoming tournament.
A Record-Breaking Crowd
The match between Major League Soccer's Toronto FC and Inter Miami drew a staggering 44,828 spectators, marking a historic milestone for the venue. While Inter Miami ultimately prevailed with a 4-2 victory, the real win for the city was the successful test of the stadium's services and amenities under maximum pressure.
Investment in Infrastructure
To meet the rigorous standards of the FIFA World Cup, BMO Field recently underwent a massive $158 million facelift. This upgrade included the installation of 17,000 temporary seats behind the goals, which were utilized for the first time during this record-breaking match. The expanded capacity ensures the venue can comfortably host the six World Cup matches scheduled for the city.
Anticipating the Global Influx
City officials are preparing for an economic and cultural surge, with expectations that more than 300,000 visitors will descend upon Toronto during the competition, which runs from June 11 to July 19. The excitement will kick off on June 12, when Canada opens its campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Group B.
In addition to the host nation, football enthusiasts in Toronto can look forward to seeing global powerhouses, including four-time champions Germany and 2022 bronze medalists Croatia, who are both scheduled to play at least one group-stage match at the venue.
Reference(s):
Toronto's stadium hosts record crowd in dress rehearsal for World Cup
cgtn.com
