It was an exciting preview of what’s to come at Humber Polytechnic’s Lakeshore Campus as dignitaries, media and sports fans celebrated the opening of the FIFA World Cup 26TM Volunteer Centre – Toronto.
Earlier this year, Humber and the City of Toronto entered into a partnership that makes Humber an Official Toronto World Cup 2026 Host City Supporter. As an Official Toronto World Cup 2026 Host City Supporter, Humber is supporting the delivery of recruitment, training and operations for the City of Toronto’s volunteer program for the FIFA World Cup 26TM.
Lakeshore Campus’ G Cottage has been transformed into the FIFA World Cup 26TM Volunteer Centre – Toronto and will serve as a hub for volunteer activities.
About 3,000 volunteers will be recruited by FIFA26 Canada and the City of Toronto to support Toronto’s role as a Host City. These volunteers will support fan experiences, accessibility services, media operations, event logistics, and more. This includes FIFA Fan FestivalTM support and serving as Host City Ambassadors outside stadiums, airports, transit hubs and visitor sites.
"These volunteers will be the heart and soul of the tournament – the first smiles visitors see, the helping hands that guide fans through our city and the proud ambassadors who will showcase Toronto’s incredible energy and diversity," said Humber President and CEO Ann Marie Vaughan. "For our students, this partnership will offer a once-in-a-lifetime hands-on learning opportunity – the kind of unique experiential learning opportunities that define a polytechnic education at Humber. They will gain real-world experience in event operations, communications, sports management, media production and hospitality – applying what they’ve learned in the classroom to one of the largest global sporting events."
"The FIFA World Cup 2026™ Volunteer Centre – Toronto will leave a legacy that reaches well beyond the final whistle," Vaughan continued. "It will strengthen Toronto’s volunteer community, inspire civic pride and demonstrate what’s possible when education, sport and community come together with a shared purpose."
Also speaking at the opening was Humber graduate Amber Morley, Toronto City Councillor for Etobicoke-Lakeshore and deputy mayor for Etobicoke; Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport) and MP; Neil Lumsden, Ontario Minister of Sport and MPP; and Peter Montopoli, FIFA26, Chief Tournament Officer (Canada).
Also in attendance were members of Humber’s men’s soccer team, who were fresh off winning their 11th national title and ninth since 2012.
Carmine Fiore, who was named CCAA soccer tournament [KM1] MVP, said it was exciting to see the men’s national team back in the FIFA World Cup ™ tournament again. It’s the third time the team has qualified – making appearances in 1986 and 2022.
Asked if having the national team playing on Canadian soil could inspire the next generation to pick up soccer in this country, Fiore said he thought it would.
“It’s really going to drive more players to the game and, for those already playing, they’re seeing that the goal of playing at the highest level is attainable,” he said. “Watching the progression of the team from when I was younger to where Canada is now, it’s impressive.”
More than 387,000 volunteer applications were received for Canada with around 248,000 for Toronto.
“Volunteers are at the heart of every great event, and FIFA World Cup 2026™ is no exception,” said Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow. “They will be the first friendly face to welcome visitors, guide fans at our venues and more. Their energy, enthusiasm and dedication will help showcase the best of Toronto and create wonderful lasting memories for anyone experiencing the FIFA World Cup 26™ in our city.”
In addition to the volunteer program, Humber’s partnership with the City of Toronto also includes many experiential learning opportunities for hundreds of Humber students, including Brandy Laurent. Laurent, a Bachelor of Commerce – Marketing student, has his work-integrated learning experience serving as an assistant for volunteer operations where he’s supporting at the Volunteer Centre. [SC2]
“As a marketing student, this is a fantastic opportunity to be working with one of the biggest brands in the world,FIFA,” said Laurent. “It’s been really exciting being able to be a part of this experience.”
The tournament opens on June 11 with the final set for July 19. Canada, Mexico and the United States of America are co-hosts of the tournament.
Toronto will host six matches, kicking off on June 12 with the first-ever men’s FIFA World Cup match on Canadian soil featuring Canada’s men’s national team. Toronto is also hosting a round of 32 match on July 2.
