Ontario committed to granting Toronto nearly $100 million in hosting fees for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the city is still awaiting financial assistance from the federal government. In a letter dated December 1, obtained by CTV, Ontario's Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Sarah Harrison, informed the city's manager, Paul Johnson, that the $97 million amount was conditional on matching cash injection from the federal government.

Toronto is scheduled to host at least five matches in the international tournament, which will also feature games in Vancouver, the United States, and Mexico.

The cost of hosting those five games is also estimated at about $300 million, with the city expected to contribute around $90 million, while the provincial and federal governments cover the other two-thirds.

At this stage, the federal government has not officially announced its commitment to funding, but Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said on Thursday at an unrelated press conference that she hoped it would come.

Chow added: "We have had conversations with the federal government, which were very positive, and there will be more details in the future."

Any match hosted by Toronto is scheduled to be held at BMO Field, with 17,750 temporary seats added to meet FIFA's requirement of 45,000 seats.

The games are expected to generate $307 million in GDP, create 3,300 jobs, and bring 174,000 visitors.