Toronto Proposes Free Tickets for Most 2026 Fan Fest

Toronto city officials have proposed making the majority of tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Fan Fest free following public backlash against an earlier plan to charge for entry. The event, set for June 11 to July 19 at Fort York National Historic Site and The Bentway, will offer 15,600 general admission tickets per day at no cost out of an estimated 20,000 daily attendees, according to a report from city staff. An additional 500 tickets will be reserved daily for community groups, while 3,900 premium passes will range from 100 to 300 Canadian dollars.

The reversal comes after Toronto's original bid to host World Cup matches promised a free Fan Fest, described as an inclusive public space for watching games on large screens, enjoying food, music, and cultural activities. A report presented to the city's executive committee last week suggested a 10 Canadian dollar general admission fee to cap attendance, prevent overcrowding, and help fund security and operations. That idea drew swift criticism from fans and councillors, who argued it contradicted the event's promised accessibility, especially given the high cost of stadium tickets.

City Councillor Josh Matlow, representing Ward...