Federal government will give Toronto $104 million to help host 2026 World Cup games

The federal government will provide Toronto just over $104 million in funding to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

This is the first time Ottawa has provided a firm dollar-figure for the games following the successful global bid.

“Toronto will set an impressive stage to Canada as host of this international tournament,” Carla Qualtrough, Federal Minister of Sport and Physical Activity, said on Friday.

“This contribution will support the operation and capital expenses of these matches.”

Toronto is set to host six FIFA World Cup games, while the rest of the tournament will be held in Vancouver, as well as cities in the U.S., and Mexico.

A Toronto report released earlier this year suggested the pricetag of hosting the World Cup would be about $380 million, about $80 million more than the original estimate two years ago.

The change has been attributed to inflationary price estimates, vendor quotes and safety requirements.

Ontario has said it would be contributing $97 million as a one-time investment and would not be increasing that funding. The province also previously said its support is subject to the federal government.

This is a breaking news story. More to come.