Toronto Pearson International Airport is gearing up to welcome athletes, fans, and visitors from around the world as the city hosts matches for the FIFA World Cup 2026. As Canada's primary gateway for international travelers, the airport has been preparing extensively to ensure a smooth and memorable experience for all passengers.
Preparations for the Tournament
With direct flights to 15 of the 16 host cities, Toronto Pearson will serve as the first point of contact for many fans traveling across North America. The airport has implemented a range of measures to handle the increased passenger volumes expected during the tournament and the busy summer travel season.
Welcoming the World
The excitement will begin the moment travelers land at Toronto Pearson. Activations across the terminal, including soccer simulators, freestyle performers, and interactive games, will bring the spirit of the tournament to life. This ensures that the celebration starts on arrival, before fans even head downtown to the stadium.
The tournament marks an early start to the summer travel season. From early June until Labour Day weekend in September, Toronto Pearson expects up to 17 million arriving and departing passengers. On peak days, the airport anticipates handling up to 185,000 passengers across more than 1,000 flights.
"It's game time and we are ready at Toronto Pearson," said Deborah Flint, President and CEO of Toronto Pearson. "These events create national pride, team spirit and meaningful experiences, which thousands of employees across the airport have been preparing for. We are focused on travellers from across the world experiencing excellence, and a warm Canadian welcome and farewell."
Toronto will host six FIFA World Cup 2026 matches between June 12 and July 2, 2026. To help fans reach their destinations smoothly, Toronto Pearson has launched a dedicated webpage with information on airport services and transportation options.
Operational Readiness
Preparations for the event have been underway for more than a year, with coordinated planning across the airport community. Specialized operational preparations include:
- A dedicated games operations centre that brings together airport teams and partners to coordinate activities and maintain efficient operations throughout the tournament period.
- Integrated operational planning with airport partners, including airlines, federal agencies, and emergency response teams, to help maintain efficient passenger flow and operational reliability.
- Cross-functional coordination across the airport community, including terminal operations, baggage operations, airside teams, customer service, emergency management, communications, and government partners.
- Enhanced staffing and customer service resources in key areas across the terminals to help passengers navigate the airport smoothly during peak travel periods.
Toronto Pearson is committed to providing a safe, efficient, and welcoming experience for all fans and visitors during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
