Toronto FC's BMO Field is hosting FIFA World Cup matches with temporary stands.

What happened?

The stadium, shared by Toronto FC and the Toronto Argonauts, has a capacity of 45,000 with the temporary stands, which cost CA$140 million. The stands were initially met with backlash from fans, but have since been covered in World Cup branding and tested in a sellout game against Inter Miami.

Why it matters for Toronto FC

The temporary stands have eased safety concerns and provided a positive experience for fans, with a professor at the University of Toronto comparing the stadium to Highbury, Arsenal's former home. | Stat | Value | | --- | --- | | League standing | 12th | | Points | 32 | | Recent form | WLDDD |

What comes next?

Toronto FC will host its next fixture against Charlotte at home on 2026-08-19. The temporary stands will be packed away and shipped to Los Angeles after the World Cup, and will be repurposed for the 2028 Olympics. The innovation could have a domino effect for future host nations, with several bidding host nations facing massive development to host the tournament.