In June 2025
The City of Toronto’s latest update on FIFA World Cup 2026 outlines major progress on their community benefits plan, social procurement, workforce development, and local engagement. On workforce development, over 25,00 journeyperson hours and 4,500 apprenticeship hours have been completed, alongside new hires and youth placements. City partnerships are also supporting 60 Ontario Works youth through training and mentorship programs.
The City’s legacy plans include expanding access to free or low-cost soccer programs in equity deserving communities through the Soccer for All Legacy Fund. Social procurement efforts are advancing, with contracts awarded to diverse suppliers and a focus on inclusive bidding. Community celebrations will be supported by a $1 million fund and a toolkit to help local groups plan events. Lastly, FIFA Fan Festivals are planned for 2026, and volunteer recruitment will prioritize inclusive access.
In July 2024
In July, City Council approved the FIFA World Cup 2026 Host City Procurement Plan of which includes a committment for at least 50% of all procurements to include supply chain diversity requirements and a target of $20 million in contracts will be allocated to Black, Indigenous and diverse suppliers. The TCBN continues to work with the City to ensure minimum local and equity hiring targets are established for jobs and career opportunities in sectors like construction, hospitality and event management.
The TCBN commends work by the FWC26 Toronto Secretariat, Community Benefits Unit and Social Procurement Program and the continued support and leadership from Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik, Mayor Olivia Chow and the Toronto Executive Committee.
On July 24th and 25th, 2024
City Council authorized City staff to develop a strategy to accelerate the RapidTO surface transit priority project on Dufferin Street between Eglinton Avenue West and Dufferin Gate Loop and Bathurst Street between Eglinton Avenue West and Lakeshore Boulevard West. These upgrades will facilitate reliable and convenient bus service while Toronto hosts FWC2026. These upgrades will be designed with input from local Councillors, residents, businesses, and the public.
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On July 24th, 2024
City Council approved the FIFA World Cup 2026 Host City Procurement Plan. The plan ensures transparency and accountability with quarterly updates and reports from all major procurements. Aiming for diversity, at least 50% of procurements will include supply chain diversity requirements and a target of $20 million in contracts will be allocated to Black, Indigenous and diverse suppliers. The City is committed to creating opportunities for workforce development in alignment with the Procurement Plan and setting ambitious targets for workforce development within each procurement opportunity.
Also can include "The TCBN commends the proactive approach taken by the FWC26 Toronto Secretariat and the continued support from Deputy Mayor Malik, Mayor Chow and the Toronto Executive Committee."
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On March 26th, 2024
TCBN was proud to join community, labour, transit advocacy, worker rights and migrant rights groups to advocate for a human rights approach and vision for Toronto's participation in FIFA 2026.
Thank you to Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik, Councillor Alejandra Bravo and Councillor Diane Saxe for advancing key areas including community benefits, decent work and fair wages, protecting vulnerable community members and workers, supporting local businesses, environmental leadership and legacy opportunities.
On March 9th, 2024
Last week, the City Executive Committee received an update on Toronto’s FIFA2026 Men’s World Cup planning. With six games now confirmed in Toronto, new projected costs are estimated at $380M. TCBN and allies are calling for the City to commit to good, green jobs and a human rights approach that includes living wages commitments, local and equity hiring targets for apprenticeship hours, professional and operational roles, social procurement targets and a supply chain diversity plan with public oversight and transparency. Thank you to Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik and City Councillor and Chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee, Alejandra Bravo for your continued support in championing a strong community benefits approach to FIFA2026. Read letters submitted by TCBN, Toronto & York Region Labour Council and Buy Social Canada.
Men's World Cup is just 15 months away and the TCBN is fully engaged in the work and monitoring of a Community Benefits and Social Procurement Plan that supports inclusive local economic opportunities including youth jobs, social procurement opportunities and community improvements in neighbourhoods across Toronto.
In March 2025, the FIFA World Cup Subcommittee met to discuss updates including:
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Fundraising for a Soccer for All (SFA) Legacy Fund to support initiatives including up to 12 (twelve) soccer “mini-pitches" across the City
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The purchase and re-sale of hospitality packages for revenue generation
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Naming Rights for a new Soccer Hub facility at Centennial Park
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Request and motion from Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik to prioritize Canadian suppliers and increase purchasing opportunities with Indigenous, Black and diverse suppliers and social enterprises.