The 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be a life-changing event for Canada and the rest of the world as a whole. For the very first time, the highly anticipated tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and of course, Canada. This marks a monumental milestone for Canadian soccer, not just for the national soccer team but for Major League Soccer (MLS), as well. As excitement builds for the World Cup, Major League Soccer is also gaining some well-deserved recognition since their record-breaking attendance in 2023 following superstar player Lionel Messi joining the Inter Miami team. The league is working to keep up this momentum in hopes of capitalizing on such a massive event with global interest. As a result of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, we’re expecting to see a boost to Canadian sports and economy, particularly the MLS, with a rise in fandom, potential youth program development, and more media attention than ever before. Let’s break down some of the ways the tournament could impact Canada and Major League Soccer in 2026!
There is no denying that Canada hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup will result in worldwide recognition and exposure for the soccer profile in North America, including a massive boost to the MLS. As the tournament will be hosted on home soil for the first time in history, the visibility of the sport will translate into increased awareness and interest for Major League Soccer on a domestic and international scale. In 1994, the World Cup’s exposure helped establish MLS in the U.S. A similar effect could happen in 2026, especially in Canada, where soccer is already deeply rooted in the culture. Although Canadian soccer has always been an afterthought when it comes to hockey or lacrosse, the co-hosting of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is our opportunity to showcase our potential and secure our place among the greatest teams around the world. This increased exposure and recognition could lead to more media coverage and a larger fan base for MLS clubs. MLS has been growing steadily in the U.S., and a strong World Cup performance could give it an additional push. A boost in national pride will likely lead to increased attendance at MLS games and a larger recognition for Canadian teams like Toronto FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and CF Montreal.
Hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a huge responsibility, and as the gracious hosts we are, some improvements and expansions will have to be made to accommodate the increase in tourism. Host cities in all 3 countries are investing in facility upgrades to meet FIFA standards. The tournament itself is set to take place across Canada with Vancouver hosting seven matches and Toronto hosting six, including the first game involving Canada’s national team. The cost to both cities and the state of their stadium preparation are less clear, but compared to Qatar who built seven new stadiums, Canada’s efforts will be more modest. It has been confirmed that Vancouver is renovating B.C. and Toronto is adding a total of 15,736 temporary seats to the 30,000 seats at BMO Field. Although we have no other confirmed investments yet, we know for certain that stadiums will be upgraded, transportation networks will be more efficient, and cities will invest in creating more soccer-friendly environments. Improvements to public transit, specifically, will help ease congestion during the games, but they’ll also remain beneficial long after the tournament. For the MLS, this increase in investment opportunity could mean the development of new stadiums, improvements for youth academies and the funding to sign higher-profile players.
With less than two years to go until the start of the newly expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament, Canada has been putting the spotlight on youth development in the country in its Player Development Program (PDP) Championship. The impact on youth development is arguably one of the most significant effects of the World Cup. The increase in resources for aspiring young players will be more of a priority, and attention toward developing young talent will be at an all-time high. Not only will this impact Canadian soccer, as a whole, but it could also inspire a new generation of Canadian soccer players, resulting in even more talent at the MLS.
Finally, another impact the 2026 FIFA World Cup could have on Major League Soccer is surrounding the long-term fanbase. The tournament gives us a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Canada’s soccer leagues to attract a whole new generation of fans to the MLS, leaving a lasting legacy for the league. As the World Cup shines a spotlight on Canadian soccer, young people watching the spectacle unfold on home soil will likely result in a greater appreciation for the league. With MLS clubs already representing major cities across Canada, young fans will hopefully be inspired to engage more with the sport who may not have previously followed them. This could result in more fans attending MLS games and supporting their local clubs as they grow up, passing on their passion for Major League Soccer to new generations and keeping them engaged long-term.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup represents a life-changing moment for Canadian soccer and Major League Soccer as we know it. From increased visibility and global exposure to attracting a new generation of fans and youth program development, the tournament is predicted to take MLS to the next level in the world of soccer. As you start preparing for what’s shaping up to be the most exciting time in the league’s history, be sure to check out our wide selection of soccer collectibles and memorabilia at SoccerCards.ca.
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