Canada experienced an 8.7% increase in non-U.S. resident air arrivals at Toronto Pearson International Airport and Vancouver International Airport in June 2026 compared to June 2025, driven by hosting 13 World Cup matches between June 12 and July 7, 2026. Statistics Canada’s preliminary numbers indicate an additional 35,000 international visitors entered Canada via these airports during the month.
Air Arrivals Surge from Overseas World Cup Participants
Air arrivals from 15 overseas countries that competed in World Cup matches held in Canada rose by 32.5%, adding approximately 29,500 visitors in June 2026 versus the previous year. Panama and Australia accounted for the largest growth in air traffic among these
nations. Ten of the 13 matches hosted in Canada took place in June, concentrating visitor inflows within that month.
Vehicle Crossings Increase Consistent with Pre-Event Trends
Vehicle crossings into Canada by both U.S. and non-U.S. residents increased by 106,700 (7.2%) in June 2026 compared to June 2025. This uptick aligns with rising cross-border travel observed in months before the World Cup, showing broader travel momentum rather than event-specific spikes.
Toronto Hospitality Sees Rising Spending
Spending at Toronto restaurants and bars from June 12 to 26, 2026, grew 3% over the same period in 2025 according to Moneris payment data. International visitors using foreign-issued payment cards contributed to a 34% spending increase in
local hospitality venues, signaling a measurable impact on tourist expenditure during the World Cup matches.
Economic Boost Aligns with Forecasts
Bank of Montreal economists anticipated the World Cup would add a modest 0.1 percentage point to Canada’s quarterly annualized GDP through increased domestic spending and tourism. Senior economist Sal Guatieri noted that the preliminary travel data from Statistics Canada fits this forecast of a modest economic lift resulting from the tournament.
