Toronto Taxpayers Face $380 Million Bill for World Cup Hosting
Toronto residents will have to pay at least $380 million to host the 2026 World Cup, a staggering increase from the original $30–45 million price tag that city politicians advertised back in 2018. The ballooning costs have drawn sharp criticism, with many pointing to what they see as a deeply flawed agreement between city officials and FIFA.
FIFA’s Lavish Office Expenses Charged to Taxpayers
Among the most eye-catching revelations are the office expenses FIFA has billed to Toronto taxpayers. According to freedom of information records obtained by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, FIFA charged taxpayers US$334,803 for five months of office expenses, spanning December 2023 to April 2024.
That includes more than $50,000 per month to rent office space at the Toronto Carpet Factory, a building whose rent is above average compared to other offices in the area. On top of the rent, FIFA billed taxpayers $41,038 for 28 height-adjustable workstation tables — roughly $1,465 per desk — and $33,897 for 60 office chairs, at $565 each. The City of Toronto even charged itself a “project management fee” of $8,937, likely for costs associated with helping FIFA find and move into its office.
FIFA’s Massive Revenue Raises Questions
Critics argue these expenses are particularly galling given FIFA’s enormous financial resources. Every four-year World Cup cycle brings in staggering revenue for the organization. The 2026 tournament is expected to break records, with FIFA projected to make a profit of over $18 billion during the cycle. With such vast sums flowing into FIFA’s coffers, many believe taxpayers should never have been asked to cover FIFA’s office costs.
Unusual Perks and Questionable Spending
The spending does not stop at office furniture. Toronto taxpayers were invoiced $200,000 by the city for a supply of World Cup-branded condoms and lubricant packets. Additionally, taxpayers are on the hook for special accommodations for individuals classified by FIFA as “VIPs” or “VVIPs,” including special border and customs treatment, police escorts, and private lounges.
Better Uses for $380 Million
There are far better ways to spend $380 million than on World Cup hosting costs, critics argue. The same sum could fund over a million children signing up for local league football or fill approximately 15.2 million potholes across the city. Instead, residents face these costs on top of an already heavy tax burden.
Rising Taxes Add to Public Frustration
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has increased taxes by almost 20% over the last three years. City council also raised Toronto’s hotel tax by 42% last summer, a move that Sarah Angel, CEO of the Greater Toronto Hotel Association, says represents an additional burden for hotel owners. Development fees, often called building taxes, have skyrocketed by 1,060% since 2009.
Critics say the situation is a cautionary tale. The next time international sports executives demand millions in taxpayer money, Toronto politicians must remember this World Cup experience and say no.
