Free general admission tickets for Toronto’s FIFA Fan Festival appear to have sold out within hours of going on sale Wednesday morning.
Toronto soccer fans were able to register online starting at 10 a.m., with thousands of free general admission tickets available alongside premium packages priced between $100 and $300.
Tickets were available for 22 different dates but by noon, it appeared that free general admission access was no longer available. A staff report had previously indicated that 15,600 daily tickets were to be offered for free.
In a statement, the FIFA World Cup Toronto secretariat said the city was excited to see the reception it received with ticket demand higher than anticipated.
“The enthusiasm reflects the excitement building as Toronto gets ready to welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and celebrate our ‘World in a City’ spirit,” Sharon Bollenbach said.
She shared that the first allotment of 220,000 tickets was acquired within the first four hours. Premium tickets are still available.
“We expect FIFA Fan Festival Toronto to remain a popular event throughout the tournament,” Bollenbach said.
Claire Vergara, a Toronto resident who managed to secure four tickets, said she treated the release like a major concert sale.
“I actually made it a mission to go on Ticketmaster early. So I was already on the UP Express on my way to work, phone in hand with the Ticketmaster app, waiting for the queue to open up,” she said in an interview.
“As soon as those queues opened up, I was able to grab those general admission tickets fairly quickly. It was easily accessible at that time and basically treated as if the queues opened for a big main concert like Bruno Mars or Ariana Grande at Scotiabank Arena.”
While basic entry is sold out, fans willing to pay can still buy access to private lounges, terraces, faster entry lines and upgraded washrooms during the five-week festival hosted at Fort York and The Bentway.
Vergara said she was able to get tickets for the tournament’s opening weekend and the final, but said she felt for fans who were shut out.
“I felt so bad, because I know everyone wanted to partake in the FIFA Fan Fest, let alone that the tickets to the stadium are very expensive, through the roof,” she said. “I wish there was more availability, or maybe they changed the venue instead of having it at Fort York, like maybe Rogers Stadium or something.”
More general admission tickets coming
The city said it will be strategically releasing general admission tickets in waves to ensure fair access, with the next one scheduled for May 15.
When asked about the possibility of tickets being resold for profit, the city pointed out the province’s current law.
“Under Ontario’s current ticket resale rules, tickets for live events cannot legally be resold above the original purchase price, including applicable fees and taxes. The city expects all ticket holders and resale platforms to comply with applicable provincial legislation,” the statement read.
From June 11 to July 19, fans can watch a total of 46 live match broadcasts alongside concerts with more than 20 performers.
What do VIP options include?
Upgrades for those willing to pay include $300 for the Casamigos Clubhouse, which features a private climate-controlled double-decker lounge, patio space, expedited entry and prime views of the main stage and screen.
A $150 Pitchside Terrace offers a private viewing area overlooking the grounds, while the $100 Garden Pavilion includes a shaded open-air space, private washrooms and food and beverage access for purchase.
Across all premium tiers, organizers note that fans must still pay for food and drinks.
Free entry returns after backlash
Earlier this year, the City of Toronto which is the primary host and coordinator for the festival, faced criticism over plans to charge all fans $10 for admission.
At the time, following public outcry, Mayor Olivia Chow insisted that “fan fest should be free,” adding that the festival should serve as an accessible alternative for residents and tourists during the World Cup.
While not everyone may get the chance to visit the city’s Fan Fest, the mayor also noted that there will be plenty of other opportunities to get in on the action.
“By the way, the City of Toronto have given small grants to local business improvement area, local soccer clubs. They are hosting free watch party all across Toronto, every ward will have a watch party,” she said at the time.
Who will be performing?
Some of the musicians and artists expected to perform at the fan festival include Brampton-raised singer Alessia Cara as well as bands like Bedouin Soundclash, Big Wreck and Walk off the Earth.
The city says that the grounds will also feature a custom soccer mini-pitch featuring the artwork of Indigenous artist Alanah Astehtsi’ Otsistóhkwaˀ Jewel.
Here’s a look at all other performances:
- AHI
- Alessia Cara
- Allied Nations
- Anna Sofia
- Bedouin Soundclash
- Big Wreck
- The Brokes
- Choir! Choir! Choir!
- Classic Roots
- Deborah Cox
- Dwayne Gretzky
- Ikky,
- k-os
- MICO
- Murda Beatz
- Nimkii and the Niniis
- Shawn Desman
- SHOUT! the band
- Skratch Bastid
- Snotty Nose Rez Kids
- The Strumbellas
- TOBi
- Tyler Shaw
- Walk off the Earth
Were you able to get some free tickets? Did you miss out on key dates you maybe had your eye on? We want to hear from you.
Share your story by emailing us at torontonews@bellmedia.cawith your name, general location, and a phone number in case we want to follow up. Your comments may be used in a future story.
With files from CP24/ CTV News’ Managing Digital Producer, Chris Fox
