An exhibition match between Inter Miami and Toronto FC took place at the revamped BMO Field, setting the stage for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The game saw Inter Miami secure a 4-2 victory in front of a full house of 44,828 spectators, with approximately 17,000 fans seated in the newly added grandstand for the tournament.
Ahead of kick-off, longtime TFC supporter Trevor Ellis ascended to the top of the north grandstand to admire the panoramic view, praising the sightlines that offered a clear view of the pitch against the backdrop of the city skyline and the lake. Although there were some empty seats at the start, fans gradually streamed into the west-end Toronto venue, near Lake Ontario’s shores, maneuvering through queues and fencing as preparations continued for Canada’s World Cup opener against Bosnia-Herzegovina on June 12.
The grandstand concourse area had a makeshift outdoor vibe, and the approach to the stadium still felt like a work in progress rather than a completed project, a sentiment echoed by local fan Jaime Garcia. The addition of scaffolding-style grandstands boosted capacity to meet FIFA standards, featuring grey flip-down seats that contrasted with the sea of red in the regular seating section.
Despite the incline in the higher seating sections, fans enjoyed a pleasant 14°C weather during the MLS match, which showcased Miami’s standout player, Lionel Messi. Ellis highlighted the diverse mix of soccer fans in attendance, noting that the match provided a glimpse of the World Cup atmosphere.
Toronto is slated to host six World Cup matches until July 2 as part of the joint hosting by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Ellis expressed concerns about potential hot weather conditions and the lack of cover, emphasizing the need to embrace the unique experience. Storms from the lake could pose challenges during the tournament, especially with energetic fans potentially adding to the excitement.
However, Ellis viewed such scenarios as integral to the overall experience, drawing parallels to the intense atmosphere at stadiums in Argentina. Fans seated along the grandstand edges faced obstructed views due to video screens near the pitch corners, which could limit visibility for those closest to the railing. Renamed Toronto Stadium for the World Cup, BMO Field serves as the smallest venue among the 16 host cities, with the tournament final scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.