The Roster Takes Shape
TORONTO — The transformation of BMO Field into Toronto Stadium is down to its final days, much like the last week before moving into a new house — there's always something left to finish before the furniture arrives.
Don Hardman, executive director of stadium and venue management for FIFA26 Canada, led media through the lakefront venue Thursday, pointing out the Olympic-style security fencing, colourful banners and temporary grandstands that have given the space a bigger-stadium feel. Four large video screens will welcome crowds of about 42,000 for each of the six tournament games scheduled here.
The matchup already has enough history; the job is to keep the reading list shorter than the tension.
"There's still some final touches before you can move the furniture in," Hardman said. "But we're really close."
The Margins Are Thin
The field's lines and goalposts had yet to be set down. Grounds crew were mowing the pitch in the spring sunshine while operations staff conducted a dress rehearsal on May 9 when Toronto FC hosted Lionel Messi and Inter Miami — the first real test of the new grandstands at capacity.
"We did a little bit of work on our entry lanes and to make sure we've got enough capacity, and that proved out," Hardman said. "So it's always an evolution, but we are certainly ready to go across the board for next week."
Canada opens group play on June 12 against Bosnia-Herzegovina — a quieter test than the Messi spectacle, but the real measure will come when the stakes are actually on the line.
The Next Test Arrives
After the opener, the Canadian squad heads west for two games in Vancouver later in the month. The final of the 16-city tournament rolls into New Jersey on July 19.