With demand for the FIFA World Cup 2026 already breaking records, Burlington North—Milton West MP Adam van Koeverden says fans hoping to attend matches in Toronto should prepare for a highly competitive ticket process — and act early.
More than 20 million ticket requests have already been submitted for the tournament’s 104 matches, according to FIFA. Toronto’s BMO Field — which will be temporarily renamed Toronto Stadium for the event — is set to host six World Cup matches, making it one of Canada’s most sought-after venues.
Van Koeverden has been appointed as an official “sherpa” for the 2026 tournament, a role that involves coordinating with officials from Mexico, the United States, FIFA organizers and multiple levels of government to help ensure the event runs smoothly. The designation has also made him a go-to source for fans looking for advice on how to land tickets.
“It’s the biggest event in the world — not just the biggest sporting event,” van Koeverden said. “Forty-eight teams, 104 games, and 13 of them happening here in Canada. It’s the first time we’ve ever hosted the Men’s World Cup, and that’s something to be incredibly proud of.”
How the ticket process works
FIFA is currently using a random selection draw system, open until Jan. 13. Fans can apply for specific matches and ticket categories, and will only be charged if their application is successful. FIFA has emphasized that the timing of entry does not affect the odds of being selected.
Van Koeverden said fans looking to improve their chances should also consider joining Canada Soccer’s official fan engagement program, CanadaRED.
“If you’re interested in tickets, I’d encourage people to become members of CanadaRED,” he said. “There’s even a free tier, and members get access to apply for an exclusive allocation of World Cup tickets.”
CanadaRED members support Canadian soccer at various levels and receive early or exclusive access to ticket opportunities. More information is available at canadared.canadasoccer.com.
Alternatively, fans can apply directly through FIFA’s official platform at FIFA.com.
Economic impact and growing excitement
Van Koeverden said more than one million visitors are expected to travel to Canada for the tournament, contributing an estimated $2 billion to Canada’s GDP. The World Cup will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, with matches spread across all three countries.
Concerns over ticket scalping
With memories still fresh from the Toronto Blue Jays’ 2025 World Series run — when resale prices skyrocketed — some fans are worried about ticket scalping for World Cup matches.
Van Koeverden acknowledged the concern, noting that ticket resale rules fall under provincial jurisdiction.
“I don’t think it’s fair that people buy tickets just to resell them at huge profits,” he said. “It really limits access for families.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford previously promised to address ticket scalping during the World Series, but changes were not implemented in time. In 2019, the provincial government repealed the Ticket Sales Act, which would have capped resale prices at 50 per cent above face value, citing enforcement challenges.
While van Koeverden said he is open to discussions around affordability, he emphasized that his focus remains on FIFA-related coordination.
“If tickets are expensive on the resale market, that’s because of provincial policy,” he said. “Personally, I think ticket reselling shouldn’t be a for-profit industry.”
As anticipation builds, van Koeverden said fans should use official channels, avoid unofficial resale sites, and be patient.
“This is a once-in-a-generation event,” he said. “There will be more opportunities, but the key is to stay informed and use the official systems in place.”