FIFA World Cup 2026™ Business Readiness
In a few short weeks, Toronto will be completely transformed with tourists, locals, festivals, fan activations, road closures, and so much more.
One of the world's largest sporting events is coming to Toronto, and businesses should be prepared. The City of Toronto is expecting hundreds of thousands of visitors between June 10 and July 19, 2026
Visitors are building their itineraries around the upcoming matches; they are looking for things to do in the city, restaurants to dine at, and activities that will make their time in Toronto unforgettable. And not only visitors, but locals will also be building itineraries and looking for things to do.
Toronto's waterfront will be one of the designated hubs during the FIFA World Cup 2026™
Along Queens Quay, there will be two FIFA World Cup 2026™ fan destinations, along with additional programming and activities in the area.
Businesses should expect a significant increase in foot traffic during this period (mid-June to mid-July) and be prepared.
Key Dates with Highest Travel Demand:
Match Days:
June 12 @ 3 PM
June 17 @ 7 PM
June 20 @ 4 PM
June 23 @ 7 PM
June 26 @ 3 PM
July 2 @ 7 PM
Peak Periods: 3 hours before kick-off and 2 hours after matches end
Being 'business-ready' means preparing your operations, staff, finances, and partnerships.
Here is a quick checklist that covers the essentials to help your business navigate this exciting period:
Business Readiness Checklist
Staffing:
Add extra staff coverage during peak times.
Create a backup plan for delays and absences.
Inventory:
Order early for fast-moving products.
Confirm backup suppliers.
Build in expected delivery-time delays due to road closures and mass demand.
Customer Experience:
Ensure clean signage and pricing.
Short, simple menus.
Varied payment options.
Marketing:
Update 'Google My Business' listings (ensure operating times, menu, and contact information are accurate)