It’s time: Countdown clocks signal kickoff of men’s FIFA World Cup 1 year away
The countdown to the 2026 World Cup has officially begun, with clocks set to be unveiled in Toronto, Vancouver, and Niagara Falls to mark the occasion. Toronto and Vancouver are both host cities for the upcoming tournament, while Niagara Falls will serve as a stunning backdrop to remind fans that the FIFA World Cup is just around the corner.
As the one-year mark approaches, there are several key milestones to look forward to in Canada. In August, a call for approximately 7,000 volunteers will be issued, followed by ticket sales starting in September and the highly anticipated tournament draw in December. Adidas has yet to reveal the official match ball, and tournament mascots will soon be introduced. Additionally, the official poster of the World Cup will join those of the 16 host cities, adding to the excitement leading up to the event.
One of the highlights leading up to the World Cup is the scheduled appearance of the prestigious World Cup trophy in Ottawa on Canada Day. The tournament itself will kick off on June 11, 2026, with games taking place in Mexico City and Guadalajara. The following day, the focus will shift to matches in Toronto and Los Angeles, culminating in the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
Peter Montopoli, the chief tournament officer for Canada, expressed his excitement for the final year of preparation, describing it as a sprint after a nine-year marathon. He highlighted the magic that happens in the last year leading up to the event, emphasizing the excitement for both FIFA and the host country.
Canada will host a total of 13 games as part of the 104-game tournament, with Mexico and the U.S. also hosting games. Several teams have already qualified from various regions, including Japan, Iran, Jordan, South Korea, and Uzbekistan. This will mark the first World Cup appearance for both Jordan and Uzbekistan, adding to the diversity of the tournament.
In the lead-up to the World Cup, Canada Soccer is revamping its ticketing system, expanding its Canada Red membership program to seven levels. This new approach aims to provide fans with better access to tickets for Canada’s games, with different tiers offering varying levels of ticket allotment for matches featuring the Canadian men’s team.
As preparations continue for the tournament, construction and upgrades are underway at various stadiums across Canada. B.C. Place Stadium is adding a ring of permanent suites, while BMO Field is expanding its seating capacity and installing new video screens and suites. FIFA will take over the tournament stadiums 30 days before the first game, ensuring that everything is in place for the highly anticipated event.
With just one year to go, the excitement is building for the 2026 World Cup. Fans can look forward to an unforgettable tournament experience as Canada, along with Mexico and the U.S., prepares to host one of the biggest sporting events in the world.
