Province Says Facility Will Deliver Long-Term Economic and Community Benefits Beyond Tournament

The Ontario government has officially opened a new sport training facility at Centennial Park in Toronto, marking a significant infrastructure investment tied to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and the province’s broader push to strengthen community recreation and tourism assets.

The new Centennial Park sport training site will serve as the official training facility for teams competing in Toronto during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ before transitioning into a permanent community sports and recreation centre after the tournament concludes.

Backed by a $20 million provincial investment, the facility forms part of Ontario’s larger $97 million commitment supporting Toronto’s role as a host city for the international tournament. Provincial officials say the investment is intended to create both immediate economic activity and long-term public benefits through expanded access to modern sports infrastructure.

“Our government is proud to invest in the new state-of-the-art training site at Centennial Park, including multiple soccer fields, which will benefit the community of Etobicoke for years to come,” said Premier Doug Ford. “With our more than $236 billion plan to build, we’re going to continue to invest in community infrastructure and protect our province’s economy and workers by building for the future.”

Facility to Support FIFA Teams Before Transitioning to Public Use

The facility will initially function as a high-performance training location for athletes participating in the FIFA World Cup before opening to the public in September 2026.

Following the tournament, the site will host local sports leagues, community recreation programs and public activities. The development includes three soccer pitches, a multi-use field, a premium field and a dedicated training pitch designed to meet international competition standards.

Provincial officials say the project reflects a broader strategy to use major sporting events as catalysts for infrastructure investment and economic development.

“This brand-new, world-class facility will serve as a critical location for the athletes from across the world to train and compete,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “By investing in the Centennial Park training site, we are strengthening Ontario’s capacity to host world-class international competitions and leaving a meaningful legacy that will serve local athletes and residents for years to come.”

Economic Impact Expected Across Ontario

Ontario’s investment in FIFA World Cup infrastructure and event preparation is expected to generate substantial economic activity throughout the province.

According to the provincial government, hosting FIFA World Cup matches in Toronto is projected to support more than 8,700 jobs and generate over $1.3 billion in economic activity across Ontario.

Officials say the economic impact will extend beyond downtown Toronto, benefiting surrounding communities, hospitality operators, tourism businesses and local retailers.

“This impressive new facility at Centennial Park will help boost Ontario’s reputation as a premier destination for athletic competitions from across Canada and around the world. By welcoming athletes and their supporters to train and compete here in Etobicoke, we are also creating opportunities for visitors to explore beyond our downtown core, showcasing our province and benefitting local businesses and communities,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming.

Community Legacy Central to Project

Municipal and provincial leaders stressed that the long-term community value of the facility remains a key objective of the investment.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said the upgrades will improve access to recreation space as the city continues to grow.

“Centennial Park is an important space for residents and families, and these improvements mean more people will have access to high-quality places to stay active, connect with one another and enjoy their neighbourhood,” said Chow. “As our city grows, investing in parks helps ensure communities have the space and opportunities they need to thrive, both now and in the years ahead.”

Kinga Surma, MPP for Etobicoke Centre, said the project would deliver lasting value for residents after the global tournament concludes.

“This improved training facility will be a prideful addition to Etobicoke Centre, bringing worldwide recognition to Centennial Park as we look forward to welcoming the international athletes competing in the FIFA World Cup 2026™. This facility will continue to serve our residents for years providing space for recreational and community programs, local teams and the general public, supporting a more active and well-connected community, setting a healthy-living standard for Ontario.”

FIFA Fan Festival and Broader Sports Investments

The province is also supporting the FIFA Fan Festival™ Toronto, scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19 at Fort York National Historic Site and The Bentway. The free 22-day event is expected to attract up to 20,000 visitors daily and will include an Ontario-themed showcase promoting tourism, culture and local businesses.

The Centennial Park project also aligns with Ontario’s broader $500 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, aimed at building and upgrading recreational facilities across the province.

Ontario Soccer Chief Executive Officer Johnny R. Misley welcomed the investment, citing increasing demand for sports infrastructure throughout the province.

“This investment ensures a quality training experience for visiting teams during the FIFA World Cup 2026™, while leaving a legacy for our local players and the community to benefit for years to come. We are at a stage of critical growth of our sport in Ontario and much needed new facility infrastructure and upgrades to existing ones is a priority moving forward. This investment is positive news on behalf of all surrounding soccer communities.”