UMVA has learned that despite the glitz and glamour of hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a surprising number of residents in Toronto and Vancouver are having second thoughts about the economic benefits of the tournament.
A recent survey conducted by Angus Reid reveals that a significant majority of respondents in both cities believe the public costs of hosting the World Cup are "not worth" the trade-offs. In fact, 70% of those polled in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and 72% in Metro Vancouver say the costs, reportedly $1 billion each, outweigh the benefits.
The concerns are multifaceted, with residents citing disruptions, street closures, security perimeters, and the disproportionate revenue going to FIFA as major issues. Many also feel that the hosting requirements, including the rearranging of summer events, are "unacceptable".
Interestingly, more people in both cities are disinterested in watching the matches than are excited about the World Cup coming to their cities. A significant 51% of Vancouverites and 59% of Torontonians say they are not interested in watching the matches, compared to 34% and 39% respectively who are excited.
The survey also reveals a stark contrast in opinions about the value of hosting the World Cup. In the GTA, 47% of respondents believe hosting the tournament is a poor investment for Toronto, while only 20% think it's a good one. Similarly, in Metro Vancouver, 51% believe it's a poor investment, compared to 21% who think it's a good one.
Furthermore, only one-third of respondents in each city trust that their municipal government will be fully transparent about the total cost of hosting the World Cup. This lack of transparency is likely to fuel concerns about the true costs of the tournament.
Toronto and Vancouver are set to host their first matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup this weekend, with Toronto hosting Canada's match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday, and Vancouver hosting Australia's match against Türkiye on Saturday.
