Ottawa Commits $145 Million to World Cup Security Operations

Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety of Canada, speaks at an announcement regarding funding for security at the FIFA World Cup 26 at Toronto Stadium, in Toronto on April 29, 2026. The Canadian Press/Arlyn McAdorey

The federal government has earmarked $145 million to support security operations for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be held in two Canadian cities this summer.

Announcing the funding at a news conference on April 29, Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said the money would support safety, security, and emergency preparedness efforts for the 13 matches hosted in Canada.

“This funding will help provinces and municipalities in their efforts to ensure people remain safe while enjoying the tournament, and ensure law enforcement agencies have the resources they need to deliver a safe and well-managed event,” he said.

Anandasangaree made the announcement at BMO Field, an outdoor stadium at Exhibition Place in Toronto that is set to host FIFA World Cup matches.

He said the funding is in addition to about $320 million previously allocated by the federal government to support host city planning and federal operations, adding that RCMP resources would also be deployed in Toronto.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico, with Canadian matches scheduled to take place in Toronto and Vancouver in June and July.

The announcement comes as federal and provincial governments continue coordinating security planning with FIFA and local authorities. It also comes amid broader efforts to strengthen public safety in Toronto.

The Toronto Police Service has increased its presence in high-traffic and tourist areas as part of “Task Force Guardian.” Announced in March, the initiative aims to enhance public safety amid rising global tensions and local threats by deterring potential incidents, improving rapid response, and reassuring the public ahead of major international events.

Meanwhile, several Iranian soccer federation officials were turned away at Toronto Pearson International Airport this week after arriving in Canada to attend a FIFA Congress in Vancouver, according to Iranian state media. The delegation, including Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj and two other Iranian officials, reportedly held valid visas but were not permitted to enter the country and later returned to Iran.

The online news outlet Iran International reported that Taj had been removed from Canada late on April 28.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand told reporters it’s her “understanding” that Iranian soccer officials saw their permission to enter Canada revoked.

Conservative MPs Michelle Rempel Garner and Melissa Lantsman raised concerns on social media that Taj made it to Canada, given his history as a former commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

When asked about Taj at a press conference in Toronto on April 29, Anandasangaree said he can’t speak about specific cases due to privacy legislation but that people with ties to terrorist organizations are not welcome in Canada.

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.