Canada’s role extends beyond hosting. The report says the country will stage six matches in Toronto and seven in Vancouver, with fan festivals and public screenings planned in Toronto.
That creates a rare opportunity for Canadian football. A successful home tournament could strengthen support for the sport, attract new audiences and give the national team a platform that domestic competitions have rarely matched.
The challenge is maintaining that momentum while managing the demands placed on two host cities. Transport, security and public space will all face pressure as visitors arrive and matchdays gather pace.
The tournament opens as Ottawa handles major questions about privacy and technology. The report says an investigation into sexual deepfakes produced by an AI chatbot is due to publish its findings, including whether privacy laws and consent requirements were followed.
A separate government proposal would reportedly restrict social-media access for children under 16 and impose additional duties on AI companies. Those measures have already raised a dispute over whether age verification should sit with platforms, app stores or families.
For Canada, the World Cup therefore arrives during a broader test of how public institutions respond to fast-changing technology.
Public safety is another central issue. The report says internal police documents indicate that many firearms traced in crimes in 2023 and 2024 originated domestically, challenging a debate often framed around weapons crossing the border.
The finding is likely to keep firearms policy high on the national agenda while the tournament draws global attention.
The next storyline is Canada’s first home fixture. How the team performs-and how Toronto and Vancouver handle the spotlight-will shape the tournament’s early Canadian legacy.