The city of Montreal will host a significant number of games once the 2026 World Cup kicks off.

Patrice Bernier, former captain of the national soccer team and the Montreal Impact welcomed this decision and stated it to be a “major step for Canadian soccer.”

Bernier hopes that the country’s exposure to the top level of play will grow participation at recreational and national programs.

It is, however, unclear the number of World Cup games to be played in Montreal and how much this will cost the taxpayers.

The member associations came to this decision at the FIFA Congress in Moscow, Russia, where the North American bid edged that of Morocco.

The current arrangement may see Canada and Mexico stage 10 games each, with the United States hosting the lion’s share of 60 games. The 10 games to be played in Canada could be held in Toronto, Montreal, and Edmonton – once the world football governing body gives the final word. As you would expect, the Montreal games will be held in the Olympic Stadium.

Costly Upgrades Have to Be Done
According to Michel Labrecque, the head of the Olympics Installations board, the Olympic Stadium needs some serious upgrades in lighting, security, and field to meet all requirements by FIFA. He also stressed that the goal (pun intended), is to have the games played under an open roof and on natural grass.

It is only last year that the Quebec Government stated that the pitch will have a new $250 million roof installed by 2023.

It’s important to note that the Olympic Stadium has already hosted the FIFA U20 World Cup and the Women’s World Cup.

Labrecque finalized by stressing that for now, it’s too early to know how much the upgrades will cost.

Rosannie Filato, the city councilor for recreation and sports on the Montreal executive committee, suggested that it will cost $69 million, without taking into account the improvements to the stadium and 65% of that amount will be covered by the federal and provincial governments.

According to Filato’s projections, the games will bring in close to $200 million and other untold social benefits.

After the news of Montreal playing a part in the 2026 World Cup broke, Mayor Valerie Plante and the sitting mayor when the bid was tabled, Denis Coderre, sent out congratulatory tweets.

Vancouver opted out due to cost concerns.