Community groups concerned locals won't benefit from Toronto hosting 2026 FIFA World Cup

Community groups are demanding the City of Toronto ensures that hosting the next FIFA World Cup benefits residents after years of reports that point to locals and workers in host countries suffering as a result.

Deena Ladd from Workers' Action Centre said community groups don't want the profits that corporations and governments will see to come "at the expense" of locals, the environment, people who are homeless and workers.

"Everybody should be benefiting from the games," said Ladd at a news conference Wednesday morning.

"I think that we just have to look at the history of the Olympics and of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and in other previous jurisdictions around the world, to be very worried."

While one of the most watched sports events in the world, FIFA World Cup games have a track record shrouded in controversy that human rights organizations have pointed to for years.

In 2022, Qatar was plagued by a bribery scandal, its stance on homosexuality and the horrific treatment of the migrant workers building the glitzy venues. In the 2018 games in Russia, the country faced similar suspected corruption allegations and was grilled on its treatment of LGBTQ people.

That's why advocates say they're worried about what's in store for Toronto locals. Recent reporting from the Toronto Star show FIFA requested guarantees or exemptions as part of the city's World Cup bid in categories such as visas and immigration, work permits and labour laws, tax exemptions and foreign exchange and safety and security.

With two years before Toronto is slated to host a total of six matches, Shelagh Pizey-Allen of TTCriders says community groups are giving the city more than enough time to ensure everything happens above board and include them in the process — something 10 organizations outlined in a letter to council ahead of its meeting Wednesday. 

"We don't yet know what's been granted to FIFA," she said.

"We're talking about good green jobs, having strong community benefits, respecting labour laws and making sure that there are green transit improvements that create lasting benefits for Toronto residents out of these games."

Based on the most recent estimates, the city is expected to spend $380 million to host the six matches, but those costs are expected to rise. The province has committed up to $97 million to pay for the games. The federal government has not made a firm commitment yet but city staff say they expect Ottawa to pay for at least 35 per cent of the total cost.

However, Toronto expects to see an economic boost of roughly $392 million in GDP and an additional $456 million for Ontario, according to a recent city report. It also expects the games to create around 3,500 local jobs.

In an effort to deliver on the games, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow announced Wednesday she's boosting the city's FIFA-dedicated team.

"While I didn't sign this deal, it's my responsibility as a mayor to do what I can to make these games a success — not only in the lasting connections it builds across communities, but also ensuring its financial sustainability," she said at a separate news conference Wednesday.