Toronto exceeded all expectations in hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026, delivering an unforgettable experience across six games that captivated the city and left fans wanting more. The tournament's Toronto leg, which ran from the opening match featuring Canada to a dramatic Portugal-Croatia clash, showcased the city's diversity and passion for soccer, according to columnist Steve Simmons.
Atmosphere and Highlights
The first game at BMO Field, renamed Toronto Stadium by FIFA, set a new standard for sporting events on Canadian soil. The atmosphere was described as once-in-a-lifetime, with crowds filling the streets in a sea of red and green. The final game in Toronto featured Portugal and Croatia, a match with three goals scored, four called back, and a frenzy on the pitch. Cristiano Ronaldo, the aging Portuguese legend, posted on X: "Toronto ❤️" after the game, signaling his appreciation for the city's embrace.
"I wasn’t sure what the World Cup in Toronto was going to be like," wrote Simmons. "The surprise to me was the in between. Games between teams and countries I don’t know particularly well or care much about. But the feeling never seemed to change."
Logistics and Costs
Despite high ticket prices and expensive food and drinks inside the stadium, the city embraced the party. Transportation issues and taxpayer costs were noted but did not dampen the spirit. Simmons, who has covered 18 Olympic Games, more than 20 Super Bowls, and countless other major events, said nothing compared to this experience in his own city.
"This more than rocked. If it was supposed to be an 8 or 9, it was an 11," he wrote.
Legacy and Reactions
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez expressed disappointment that there were not more games in Toronto. "It’s a shame there are not more games here in Toronto," he said after the win. The sentiment echoed across the city as fans, including two men in Croatia jerseys walking along Front Street, wondered: "And what do we do now?"
The World Cup's Toronto chapter ended with a sense of loss, but the city proved it could host a global event with style. Simmons concluded: "No event is ever perfect. Transportation in this city is forever flawed. Costs are almost always too high... But you know a sporting event can stand on its own when it can overcome the issues others have made that it can’t fix."
