Toronto officials are preparing for significant traffic challenges during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a new report warning that vehicle volumes in the downtown core could increase by as much as 15 per cent during the tournament. The report, written by City Manager Paul Johnson, will be reviewed by Mayor Olivia Chow’s executive committee as the city finalizes transportation plans ahead of the global event.
Traffic modelling conducted on key downtown routes suggests that vehicle traffic could rise between 10 and 15 per cent during the tournament period. Johnson noted that the increase will likely place additional pressure on daily transportation systems, affecting drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and public transit riders. The impact is expected to be most noticeable on the six days that Toronto is scheduled to host World Cup matches.
Each game at BMO Field, which will be temporarily renamed Toronto Stadium during the tournament, is expected to attract about 45,000 spectators. In addition to the matches themselves, the city is planning a large fan festival at Fort York National Historic Site and The Bentway that will run from June 11 through July 19, further increasing activity in the downtown area.
Toronto must submit a detailed mobility plan to FIFA by the end of March. While the plan is still being finalized, the report outlines several measures the city is considering to manage traffic and reduce congestion during the tournament.
Among the proposed actions are temporary adjustments to traffic signal timing, removing on street parking along major routes on match days, and limiting parking availability near BMO Field. The city is also considering pausing construction projects that affect key downtown corridors during the event.
Additional traffic control measures could include temporarily closing certain highway or expressway ramps in order to regulate the flow of vehicles into crowded areas. One example cited in the report is the potential closure of the Jameson Avenue ramp that leads to the westbound Gardiner Expressway.
City officials also plan to launch a large communications campaign to keep residents and visitors informed about road changes and restrictions. Portable electronic signs will be used across the city to alert drivers to closures, traffic adjustments, and suggested alternative routes.
Officials are still determining exactly which roads may face closures or restrictions during the tournament. Toronto’s first World Cup match is scheduled for June 12, marking the first time Canada will host a FIFA World Cup game on home soil.
