The 2026 World Cup will see a single training facility in Toronto, located at Centennial Park, with construction already underway. This project, part of a larger park revitalization plan, will include a soccer pitch and field house. The facility's future use post-World Cup is discussed, with potential collaborations with local professional teams and a commitment to community access.
The 2026 World Cup in Canada will feature a single official training facility in Toronto , located at Centennial Park in Etobicoke. Construction has commenced on this simplified project, integrated with a ten-year plan to revitalize the park, which commemorated Canada's centennial in 1967. The former dairy farm encompasses various playgrounds, sports fields, and amenities.
The World Cup training facility will be distinct from the existing Rob Ford Stadium (formerly Centennial Park Stadium), named in honor of the late mayor. Sharon Bollenbach, executive director of FIFA World Cup 2026 for the City of Toronto, stated that their focus is solely on the soccer pitch and a field house. While the future of the facility after the World Cup is uncertain, Bollenbach revealed discussions with several professional teams in the city. She emphasized the importance of ensuring community access as a key legacy element. The Canadian Premier League's York United FC and AFC Toronto of the new Northern Super League plan to play their matches at York Lions Stadium, where they also train. Centennial Park is situated approximately 20 kilometers southwest of York Lions Stadium. The World Cup training pitch will be equipped with a covering in winter to enable year-round usage. Originally, the plan envisioned multiple training sites in Toronto, but it was scaled back. Bollenbach explained the reduction from two pitches to one, determined to be sufficient for the tournament, primarily used the day before matches. A budget of $20 million has been allocated for the Toronto training facility, including funds to ensure its long-term usability after the tournament. Simultaneously, renovations are underway at BMO Field, increasing its capacity to 45,000 for the tournament. The majority of the stadium work will take place between November 2025 and March 2026, accommodating the schedules of Toronto FC and the CFL's Argonauts. The initial phase involves laying the groundwork for the second phase, which will see the installation of most of the new temporary seats. These seats will be added to the south and north ends of the stadium. As a result, the existing video board in the north end will be replaced with four new boards strategically positioned on the corners of the lakefront venue. The screens will be among the first improvements to be completed. Bollenbach stated that while they may not install all the screens by March, they aim to have one or two in place before the 2025 TFC season. The new screens, along with a revamped sound system, lighting, and accessibility improvements, are considered part of the tournament legacy. Vancouver has also adjusted its training facility plans, abandoning the initial proposal to utilize Memorial South Park following community backlash regarding the extended closure period. The city has now opted to use the National Soccer Development Centre at UBC, with a letter of intent signed by the university, Vancouver Whitecaps, and the City of Vancouver. Construction on Vancouver's second training site, Killarney Park, is projected to be finalized by December. This facility will include grass soccer pitches, field lights, locker rooms, and a press conference room. The site will remain closed to the public until fall 2026. However, organizers emphasize that the development will result in Killarney Park's upgrade to a multi-purpose grass field with lighting and a drainage irrigation system. The men's soccer tournament has expanded to include 48 teams in 2026. Canada, alongside Toronto and Vancouver, will host 13 of the 104 matches across 14 host cities: 11 in the U.S. and three in Mexico. The tournament is scheduled from June 11 to July 19, 2026
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