The World Cup Is Coming to Your Backyard
Toronto is one of the host cities for the FIFA World Cup 2026, and BMO Field — sitting right at the southern edge of Liberty Village — will host six tournament matches between June 12 and July 2. For the roughly 12,000 people who call Liberty Village home, this is not some distant downtown event. It is happening on your doorstep, and it will reshape daily life in the neighbourhood for the better part of a month.
Here is everything you need to know to navigate the disruption, avoid the headaches, and maybe even enjoy the spectacle.
What Is Happening at BMO Field
BMO Field has undergone a $146-million renovation to prepare for the tournament. Temporary seating will expand capacity to approximately 45,000 — a significant jump from the usual 30,000. The upgrades include enhanced concourse areas, improved accessibility, and broadcast infrastructure to support one of the largest sporting events on the planet.
Toronto will host six group-stage matches over three weeks. On game days, the area around Exhibition Place and BMO Field transforms into a controlled zone with thousands of international visitors flooding into the neighbourhood hours before kickoff.
Road Closures and Traffic Restrictions
This is the part that will affect every Liberty Village resident, whether you care about football or not.
What Is Closing
- Lake Shore Boulevard between Fort York Boulevard and British Columbia Drive will be closed or heavily restricted up to six hours before kickoff and four hours after the final whistle - Strachan Avenue between East Liberty Street and Lake Shore Boulevard will be fully closed before, during, and after matches - Dufferin Street at the section entering Exhibition Place grounds will also close on game days - Liberty Village itself will be restricted to local traffic only, with police staffing at least 18 intersections throughout the neighbourhood
What This Means for You
On game days, driving in or out of Liberty Village will be extremely difficult. If you commute by car, plan to leave well before road closures begin or work from home. Rideshare surge pricing in the area will be significant — expect two to three times normal rates within a kilometre of BMO Field.
Parking in Liberty Village is already notoriously tight. On match days, expect every available spot to be taken by visitors willing to pay premium rates. If you have a dedicated parking spot, guard it carefully.
Transit Changes and Alternatives
The 504 King streetcar, Liberty Village's primary transit link, will likely see increased frequency but also significant crowding on game days. The TTC has historically added service for major BMO Field events, and the World Cup will be no exception.
Your Best Options
- Bike commuting becomes even more attractive during the tournament. The Martin Goodman Trail and surrounding bike infrastructure bypass all the road closures - Work from home on game days if your employer allows it. With six matches spread over three weeks, this is manageable for most remote-capable jobs - The UP Express at Union Station remains unaffected, so flights and airport trips stay on schedule - Walk or cycle to errands within the neighbourhood. Liberty Village's compact layout means you can reach FreshCo, Shoppers Drug Mart, and most services on foot without dealing with road closures
Ontario Line Construction Overlap
As if the World Cup were not enough, spring 2026 is also when tunnel boring machines are expected to launch for the Ontario Line, which will bring construction truck traffic through the neighbourhood. The silver lining: Metrolinx has confirmed that hauling will be paused near BMO Field on FIFA match days, and the primary haul route has been shifted to Dufferin Street to reduce the impact on East Liberty Street and Liberty Street.
After the tournament concludes in July, expect construction activity to ramp back up. The Ontario Line is scheduled for completion in 2031.
How to Make the Most of It
The World Cup is a once-in-a-generation event, and having it in your neighbourhood is genuinely special. Here is how to lean into it rather than just survive it.
Watch Parties and Local Atmosphere
Liberty Village's bars and restaurants are preparing for massive game-day crowds. Brazen Head Irish Pub on East Liberty Street is a natural gathering spot for international football fans. Craft Beer Market and Liberty Commons at Big Rock Brewery both have the big-screen setups and seating capacity to handle World Cup viewing parties. The Rec Room offers a sports-bar-meets-arcade experience that will likely run special events during the tournament.
For a more relaxed vibe, grab a coffee at Balzac's Coffee Roasters or Dark Horse Espresso Bar and soak in the international energy that will fill the neighbourhood's streets.
Dining Around the Matches
Pre-game dining in Liberty Village will be in high demand. Book ahead at Mildred's Temple Kitchen for brunch on afternoon-match days, or grab a casual meal at LOCAL Public Eatery with its views of the CN Tower. The neighbourhood's density of restaurants means you have options at every price point — just do not expect to walk in without a wait on game days.
The Economic Upside
FIFA's economic impact assessment estimates the World Cup could generate up to $940 million in economic output for the Greater Toronto Area, with $340 million in wages. Liberty Village businesses — especially restaurants, bars, and short-term rental hosts — stand to benefit directly from the influx of international visitors.
Post-Tournament: What Comes Next
The BMO Field renovations are permanent, meaning Liberty Village gains a better stadium as a long-term neighbour. The planned park at 34 Hanna Avenue, part of the Liberty Village Public Realm Strategy, has construction scheduled to begin after World Cup operations wrap up. And the ongoing "Liberty For All" planning initiative is building a long-term vision for the neighbourhood that accounts for all the new development and transit investment.
Key Dates to Remember
- June 12, 2026 — First Toronto match at BMO Field - July 2, 2026 — Last Toronto group-stage match - Spring 2026 — Ontario Line tunnel boring begins - Post-July 2026 — 34 Hanna Avenue park construction begins
The World Cup is coming whether Liberty Village is ready or not. The residents who prepare now — adjusting commute plans, booking restaurant reservations early, and embracing the event — will have a far better summer than those caught off guard.