Here’s how Toronto is planning to handle thousands of visitors for the World Cup

CP24 Courtney Heels has the latest on the vibe around the city a week before the FIFA World Cup kicks off.

City officials said Friday that Toronto is prepared to handle tens of thousands of visitors expected to descend on the city for the World Cup in the coming weeks, with plans in place to add extra transit and thousands of additional officers on city streets.

“With less than a week to go, Toronto is ready, and we are excited to welcome the world to our city,” said Sharon Bollenbach, executive director of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Toronto Secretariat. She added “there is a “buzz and an energy” building in the city.

At a news conference with reporters Friday morning, Bollenbach and around a dozen officials laid out Toronto’s plans around the World Cup.

They include more than 3,000 volunteers, tens of thousands of additional officers on city streets, boosted transit, and officers from other countries.

Here’s a rundown of the city’s plans.

Security

When it comes to security, the Toronto Police Service said it is ready to handle an estimated 300,000 visitors for the World Cup.

“Our role is clear; to ensure a safe and secure experience for everyone, while showcasing Toronto as a world-class host city,” Deputy Chief Robert Johnson said.

To do so, the force is planning to deploy tens of thousands of officers around the city, including officers from other GTA police forces who will pitch in, as well as OPP and RCMP.

In addition, Johnson said, there will also be “football intelligence officers” -- police officers from other countries who will advise local law enforcement on the ground about what to expect from fans from their countries.

“People celebrate differently, people support their teams differently, some more aggressive than others,” Johnson said. “So we want to make sure that we are able to understand the crowd dynamics of an individual group that we may not have had experience with here in Toronto.”

Police are also implementing strict bans on drones and fireworks in and around key World Cup sites.

“We are utilizing specialized drone detection technology to identify and intercept drones,” Johnson said.

He warned that those using drones or fireworks in the restricted areas could face steep fines of thousands of dollars.

Johnson also advised anyone heading to World Cup events to check the FIFA website for a list of prohibited items, to take transit, and plan to leave extra time for entering and exiting venues.

Transit

Both the TTC and Metrolinx are adding additional service during the World Cup, and are encouraging residents and visitors to check their websites to make sure of schedules and train times.

“We expect a significant increase in ridership, with demand concentrated in the downtown core and around the stadium and fan sites,” TTC CEO Fort Monaco said. “Our focus is clear: enough service, clear information, and the ability and flexibility to respond quickly if conditions change.”

Monaco said additional service will be added “across all modes,” including key streetcar routes, dedicated shuttle buses on game days, and extended late-night subway service.

“We are also positioning dedicated response crews within the venue area and along critical routes that feed into it. If issues arise beyond our control, we have built in redundancies and alternatives, so customers can continue their journey smoothly,” he said.

Monaco added that the TTC has also been working to carry out any needed repairs ahead of the games and to implement a new wayfinding system in stations to make it easier for visitors to find their way.

Congestion and traffic

When it comes to getting around, officials are promoting a transit first approach, encouraging residents and visitors to use transit, walk, or cycle as much as possible.

The approach comes as officials calculate the city will need to reduce regular car traffic by around 40 per cent on game days so that the road system is not overwhelmed.

“Public transit will be the easiest and most reliable way to get around,” Chief Congestion Officer Andrew Posluns said. “Our plan includes enhanced transit services.”

There will be no vehicle parking at World Cup events, however Posulns said there will be dedicated sites for bicycle parking, as well as valet parking for bicycles and drop-off areas for rideshares or taxis.

In some neighborhoods, like Liberty Village and Fort York, vehicular traffic will be limited to local access only. Additional road closures will start five hours ahead of kickoff on match days, and will end three hours after the match concludes.

“Drivers who use routes such as these roads should be aware, and they should plan ahead,” Posluns said.

He suggested leaving more time, taking alternate routes, rescheduling trips or taking public transit instead.

“Residents should expect busier sidewalks, a busier transit service, fuller transit vehicles, and more activity generally in the neighborhoods, especially if you live close to an event site,” Posluns said. “We know that brings some disruption, and we planned carefully to manage it and keep communities accessible for businesses.”

Still, he said businesses will need to plan ahead as well, reconsidering delivery times and other scheduled trips around the games.

“Our message is simple: plan ahead and, where possible, travel differently.” Posluns said. “Consider adjusting your travel times and avoiding non-essential trips during match hours.”