A wave of skepticism is sweeping across Canada as the nation prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup. A recent poll reveals that a resounding 71% of Canadians believe hosting the prestigious tournament is only justifiable if it doesn't burden taxpayers – cities must at least break even, or ideally, turn a profit.
Toronto and Vancouver stand poised to welcome the world’s best soccer players, but this excitement is tempered by financial concerns. The poll highlights a clear condition for public support: 32% demand host cities generate enough revenue to cover costs, while a further 39% insist on exceeding them.
The financial stakes are considerable. Estimates suggest Vancouver could face a $624 million price tag, split between provincial, municipal, and federal governments, with an additional $116 million from Ottawa. Toronto anticipates sharing a $380 million burden across all three levels of government.
Despite the potential economic benefits, a significant 20% of Canadians remain unconvinced, believing the event isn’t worth hosting regardless of the financial outcome. A smaller, but vocal, 9% maintain it’s a valuable undertaking even if it dips into taxpayer funds.
Predictably, enthusiasm for the World Cup itself strongly correlates with support for hosting. Those closely following the tournament are far more likely – 66% – to view it as a worthwhile investment, compared to just 32% of those less interested.
Adding to the concerns, a staggering 71% of Canadians feel ticket prices are prohibitively expensive, effectively pricing out many potential fans. This sentiment is particularly strong among those “very interested” in the tournament, with 84% deeming the costs too high.
The financial barriers are so significant that half of those surveyed (52%) admitted they would attempt to resell complimentary tickets, prioritizing financial gain over attending the games. This reveals a pragmatic, and perhaps disillusioned, outlook among the Canadian public.
As Canada’s men’s national team prepares for a crucial warm-up match, the poll serves as a stark reminder: the success of the 2026 World Cup will be measured not only by goals scored, but also by the financial accountability and accessibility of the event for all Canadians.
The Angus Reid poll, conducted among a representative sample of 2,031 Canadians, carries a margin of error of 2% – a testament to the reliability of these revealing findings.
