BMO Field hosted a sell-out match between Inter Miami and Toronto FC on Saturday, May 9, to test stadium expansions for the 2026 FIFA World Cup [1, 2].
The event served as a critical operational trial for the city of Toronto. Organizers needed to evaluate if the new temporary grandstands and increased capacity could handle the logistical demands of a global tournament.
Inter Miami, featuring Lionel Messi, played before a crowd of approximately 45,000 spectators [1]. This figure represents the expanded capacity of the venue, which was increased using temporary seating to meet World Cup requirements [2].
Official assessments of the venue were largely positive. "The atmosphere was electric and the new stands worked perfectly," the Toronto FC head coach said [2].
However, the experience was not uniform for all attendees. While some reports indicated the stadium delivered a great fan experience [1], others highlighted stability issues. One fan watching from the temporary stands said, "You feel it shaking" [3].
Despite these reports of vibration, the match is being viewed as a successful dress rehearsal. The test allowed officials to monitor crowd flow and the structural integrity of the temporary additions before the tournament begins.
““The atmosphere was electric and the new stands worked perfectly,””
The successful hosting of a high-profile match involving a global star like Lionel Messi confirms that Toronto can meet the minimum capacity and attendance demands of the FIFA World Cup. While the reported shaking of temporary stands suggests a need for minor structural refinements, the overall operational success reduces the risk of logistical failures during the actual tournament.
