The World Cup is coming to Toronto. Is your supply chain ready?

News

Jun 10 2026

· 2 min
The World Cup is coming to Toronto. Is your supply chain ready?

ThFIFA World Cup 2026™ is expected to bring unprecedented activity to the Greater Toronto Area, creating many opportunities for businesses while also placing significant pressure on transportation networks, delivery schedules, and supply chains. For organizations that depend on reliable freight movement around the GTA this summer, now is the time to begin planning! 

A summer unlike any other 

Toronto will host six soccer matches between June 12 and July 2, 2026, at the Toronto Stadium, with crowds of more than 45,000 expected for each match. The city will also operate a Fan Festival at Fort York and The Bentway, attracting up to 20,000 visitors per day during tournament activities. 

Transportation experts anticipate increased congestion across key GTA corridors during this time. City planning reports indicate that downtown traffic volumes could rise by 10–15% during peak event activity, with additional plans underway to limit downtown parking, close highway on and off-ramps, and suspend some major construction projects, further affecting travel and mobility throughout the region. 

What this means for you 

The highest levels of congestion are expected on match days. During this period, clients located within or near the following areas are expected to experience the greatest impacts: 

  • Exhibition Place and Liberty Village  
  • Fort York and the waterfront  
  • Downtown Toronto core  
  • Gardiner Expressway access points  
  • Major transit hubs and surrounding roadways 

Due to the impact on popular routes in the area, you may experience: 

  • Unexpected road closures in key areas and corridors 
  • Reduced flexibility for deliveries and pickups on match days 
  • Potential delays during peak periods 

Game Dates + Peak Periods (Toronto Match Schedule) 

  • The Fan Festival will operate daily from June 11 to July 19 
  • Friday, June 12 at 3:00 p.m. 
  • Wednesday, June 17 at 7:00 p.m. 
  • Saturday, June 20 at 4:00 p.m. 
  • Tuesday, June 23 at 7:00 p.m. 
  • Friday, June 26 at 3:00 p.m. 
  • Thursday, July 2 at 7:00 p.m. 

How you can prepare your business 

  • Review upcoming delivery schedules. 
  • Increase communication with supply chain partners. 
  • Build inventory buffers for critical products, anticipating increased visitor volume. 
  • Monitor event and traffic updates. 

How can Erb help? 

As Toronto prepares to welcome the world in 2026, our team is proactively working with clients and drivers to support efficient freight movement, maintain visibility across supply chains, and develop transportation strategies that reduce risk during periods of increased demand. 

While we are committed to delivering seamless service, major citywide events and cultural celebrations may occasionally present challenges beyond our control. In the coming weeks, we will continuously monitor transportation conditions, infrastructure developments, and regional logistics trends to help clients navigate changing operating environments. 

Plan ahead today to keep your business moving! Contact your Erb representative to discuss how to optimize your transportation strategy and stay ahead of the game.