On Feb. 9, 2026, the FIFA World Cup 2026 Subcommittee met at City Hall to discuss updates to the City of Toronto’s procurement plan ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
On Feb. 9, 2026, the FIFA World Cup 2026 Subcommittee met at City Hall to discuss updates to the City of Toronto’s procurement plan ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The meeting focused on updates related to the procurement plan, which is the City of Toronto’s formal strategy for acquiring the goods and services needed to deliver FIFA World Cup 2026 matches and related event operations in the city.
The procurement plan was originally approved by Toronto City Council in July 2024 under the item titled FIFA World Cup 2026: Toronto Host City Procurement Plan. This authorized City staff to proceed with the plan and outlined how contracts would be negotiated for necessary services and supplies.
Questioning was led primarily by Councillor Amber Morley. Sharon Bollenback, Executive Director of FIFA World Cup 2026, was also in attendance along with Coun. Mike Colle, serving as chair. Committee members discussed updates to the procurement plan including how the FIFA team is handling the standards set out during the initial procurement plan.
Community members from institutions such as Humber College and the diverse suppliers identified through the procurement plan will have a stake in the City’s next steps.
In relation to Destination Toronto’s calendar of events around Toronto, Coun. Morley said she was glad to hear that there would be “options outside of FIFA fan festival and just other things to see and do in the city while they’re visiting. I know it’s going to be important for us to ease pressure on the downtown, with the stadium itself and FIFA Fan Festival having limited capacity.”
The subcommittee discussed Humber College’s role, with its contribution focused mainly on engaging students to support planning, delivery and the volunteer program leading up to and during the tournament.
As procurements roll out, the City is using early planning strategies to encourage Black- and Indigenous-owned businesses and social enterprises to bid on both open and competitive solicitations.
More than 90 Black- and Indigenous-owned or diverse suppliers have been identified across all procurement areas.
The City is issuing 60 grants to community organizations, totaling $1.7 million, with at least one grant in every ward.
The committee also discussed community events tied to the World Cup. Promotion of launches or watch parties through City channels is possible but only for events that have official licenses issued by FIFA and Bell Media. City staff said they are monitoring applications for licensed public viewing parties and will include eligible events in City promotions as they are confirmed.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Community World Cup events that have received grants will be on the City’s website.
- To promote the event, the City suggests organizers to apply for consideration to Destination Toronto’s events calendar.
- Humber College is contributing mainly by engaging students to support planning, delivery, and the volunteer program.
- Promotion of events like launches or watch parties is possible through City channels but only for those with official licenses issued by FIFA and Bell Media.
- Staff are monitoring applications for licensed public viewing parties and will include eligible events in City promotions as they are confirmed.
On-the-ground observations from our documenter, Emma Amodio
What initially attracted me to this topic was the magnitude of the World Cup and its ability to generate significant attention and excitement within the host city. During the meeting, it was clear that many of the key decisions shaping the event are happening through the procurement process.
While there was discussion about supporting Black- and Indigenous-owned businesses and spreading events across the city, I was left with questions about how Toronto will ensure these intentions turn into action as the procurement plan moves forward. I was also curious about how decisions will be made around licensing and which types of city events will ultimately be prioritized on the tourism calendar.
