Adam Stapley

• 2026 tournament could add up to C$6.5 billion to Canada's quarterly GDP
• Tourism, hospitality and consumer spending expected to drive the majority of economic boost, contributing up to C$5 billion
• Incremental growth to lift quarterly GDP by approximately 0.1 percentage points in mid‑2026

As millions of fans turn their attention to North America for the world's largest international soccer tournament, an economic boost of up to C$6.5 billion is expected in incremental quarterly GDP for Canada according to a new report from BMO Economics.

Running from June 11 to July 19, the tournament will feature 48 teams and 104 matches across North America, with Toronto and Vancouver hosting games in Canada.

"Mega sporting events of this scale don't transform economies overnight, but they do create a meaningful surge in demand over a concentrated period," said Douglas Porter, Chief Economist, BMO. "In Canada, tourism, accommodation, food services and local entertainment stand to benefit most – particularly in the host cities."

https://newsroom.bmo.com/2026-06-01-BMO-Economics-Toronto-and-Vancouver-to-Anchor-Up-to-6-5B-Soccer-Powered-Economic-Boost-for-Canada