Latest news with #PeterMontopoli
Hamilton Spectator
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
From Niagara to the pitch: Port Colborne's Peter Montopoli helps kick off Canada's FIFA countdown
Let the countdown begin. As a towering countdown clock was unveiled Wednesday at Niagara Falls, marking one year until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the moment held special meaning for one of the event's key leaders — and for Niagara. Peter Montopoli, chief operating officer of FIFA World Cup 2026's Canadian branch, returned to his roots in the region to help mark the milestone. Born and raised in Port Colborne, Montopoli reflected on how far both he and Canadian soccer have come. 'Today was a day that I was thinking back to being part of the Port Colborne Minor Soccer Club,' he said in an interview. 'The idea of getting in a car and going on a road trip to play in St. Catharines or Niagara Falls was exciting, it brought the whole community together.' Now, years later, Montopoli is leading Canada's efforts to host the world's largest sporting event. Let's break down when and where you can see live games without leaving the country. Wednesday's unveiling marked exactly one year until the first match of the tournament kicks off on June 11, 2026. Standing nearly 10 feet tall, the new countdown clock, featuring a maple leaf mosaic, sits at the brink of the falls. Peter Montopoli and Team Canada goalkeeper Sabrina D'Angelo unveil the World Cup Countdown Clock as Lisette Johnson-Stapley, director of operational services for the 2026 tourney, addresses the crowd. The ceremony featured remarks from Montopoli, local and provincial leaders, and national athletes, including Ontario Minister of Sport Neil Lumsden and Canadian Women's National Team's goalkeeper Sabrina D'Angelo. The evening was set to conclude with a special illumination of Niagara Falls in red, green, and blue, representing the three host nations: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. For Montopoli, the World Cup is more than a tournament — it's a chance to build a legacy. 'These kinds of events have a way of igniting passion for people in the sport,' he said. 'Football's really developed in Canada, but I think people really aspire to something when they see a countdown clock, when they see 13 matches in Canada.' He pointed to the success of the Canadian-hosted FIFA Women's World Cup in 2015 as proof that hosting can inspire a generation. 'Women's football took centre stage, and it brought it to another level. I think the same is going to happen here,' he said, while also emphasizing the importance of involving more than just the larger cities. 'People will move around,' he said, referring to the travel patterns expected during the tournament. 'So places like Niagara Falls and small communities are the ones that will benefit from the tourists on the eastern seaboard.' Ontario Minister of Sport and former Canadian football player Neil Lumsden addressed the crowd at the FIFA 26 Countown Clock unveiling in Niagara Falls on Wednesday. Ontario officials speaking at the ceremony mirrored Montopoli's optimism. 'The sound that you're hearing is rolling thunder. That thunder is attached to the people of the 2026 World Cup and it's going to land here in Ontario, and this thunder is just getting started,' Lumsden said to the crowd. 'The impact of FIFA, the World Cup, is going to be massive on so many fronts, and we're proud to be part of it.' For those across the region hoping to take part, Montopoli said opportunities are coming. 'Jump on board, be a part of the train that's coming,' he said. 'You could be a volunteer. We're going to be calling for volunteers in August, or host something in your local community.' For his hometown crowd in Port Colborne, Montopoli offered a final message. 'I would hope they're supporting Canada, but if not, we have a saying: we said it's OK to wear another country's jersey, as long as your home country's is underneath and closest to your heart.' More information on FIFA World Cup 26 and the scheduled Canadian games can be found on the organization's website . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Global News
2 days ago
- Sport
- Global News
Countdown clocks mark 1 year until World Cup soccer fans descend on Toronto, Vancouver
The one-year countdown to the 2026 World Cup starts Wednesday, with clocks to be unveiled to mark the occasion in Toronto, Vancouver and Niagara Falls. Toronto and Vancouver are World Cup host cities. Niagara Falls offers a world-class backdrop for a reminder that FIFA's expanded 48-team soccer showcase is just around the corner. There are more milestones to come in Canada, with a call for some 7,000 volunteers to be issued in August, ticket sales starting in September and the tournament draw in December. Adidas has yet to unveil the match ball. Tournament mascots will also be introduced. The tournament's official poster will join those of the 16 host cities. And the World Cup trophy is scheduled to make an appearance in Ottawa on Canada Day. The World Cup kicks off June 11, 2026, with games in Mexico City and Guadalajara. On June 12, the focus switches to matches in Toronto and Los Angeles. Story continues below advertisement The final is set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. 'It's nine years so far on this project,' said Peter Montopoli, chief tournament officer for Canada. 'This marathon is now at one year out, turned into a sprint. I think that's the part we really enjoy. For the people who love to run events, this is the part that really excites them. This is where all the magic happens in the last year. 'So it's exciting. It's an exciting time to be running the event, it's an exciting time for FIFA and it's an exciting time for our country.' In all, there will be 104 games, with 13 each in Canada and Mexico and the remaining 78 in the U.S. The last seven editions of the tournament featured 32 teams and 64 games. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy In addition to co-hosts Canada, Mexico and the U.S., Japan, Iran, Japan, Jordan, South Korea and Uzbekistan have already qualified from Asia, along with New Zealand from Oceania and defending champion Argentina from South America (CONMEBOL). It will be a first World Cup appearance for both Jordan and Uzbekistan. On Wednesday, the two Canadian host cities will also release anniversary videos with actor Will Arnett featured in Toronto's and former Canada goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc in Vancouver's. Story continues below advertisement Canadians will be able to apply for tickets two ways — through the FIFA lottery (assuming FIFA follows past practices) and via membership in Canada Soccer's Canada Red program, which will distribute the ticket allotment for Canada matches. 'There's different ways to purchase (tickets),' said Montopoli. 'If you want to get in early, you go in the fall.' Montopoli said there is no word yet on ticket pricing. While the full match schedule won't be known until the draw, Canada will open in Toronto and then play its remaining group games in Vancouver. Toronto and Vancouver will each host five opening-round matches plus a round-of-32 knockout match. Vancouver will also stage a round-of-16 game. Canada Soccer is revamping its existing Canada Red membership program, expanding it from the current three tiers (the first free and the other two at a cost of $50 and $150 annually) to seven levels (from free to $5,000 annually). Each tier provides access to Canada Soccer's ticketing allotment lottery for games featuring the Canadian men — the higher the tier, the higher the chances of securing tickets. FIFA traditionally reserves a portion of each World Cup game's tickets for the participating member federations. This is Canada Soccer's method of distributing them. Canada Soccer also used a Canada Red tiered approach for tickets for Canada's games at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Story continues below advertisement Canada Red members in the top tiers will have the best chance to access tickets as they will have access to the first draw and each subsequent draw afterwards. Canada Red, the new version of which launches later this summer, 'directly supports' Canada Soccer's philanthropic initiatives, according to Canada Soccer. The Canada Red program currently has more than 100,000 members. While the clock counts down, the City of Toronto is still looking for funds to help pay for its end of the tournament, arguing that it is having to dig deeper into its pocket because the cost of providing services related to public transport, policing and hospitals, among others, has increased to almost $40 million in total — reducing the provincial cash contribution and adding to the city's bill. The cost of hosting six games in Toronto has been pegged at $380 million, with the federal government contributing $104 million and Ontario, including services, $97 million. Toronto's tab is $178.7 million (47 per cent of the total cost). A ring of permanent suites is under construction at B.C. Place Stadium. BMO Field will get an additional 17,750 seats, bringing total capacity to around 45,735 seats, with the north and south ends expanded. Two of four new video screens are now working at BMO Field, which is also getting new suites. Story continues below advertisement FIFA will take over the tournament stadiums 30 days before the first game there, which would mean May 13 for Toronto and May 14 for Vancouver. The tournament office in Toronto, already up and running, will have 82 full-time staff — it's currently around 70 — with most getting an early taste of tournament work via the FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off later this month in the U.S. The Vancouver office opens next Tuesday ahead of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. 'We know what we need to do to execute,' Montopoli said of tournament preparation. 'So we feel very comfortable in where we stand today. There's always little nuances that can happen, but as of today — one year out — we're exactly where we felt we needed to be to position ourselves for success.'
Vancouver Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- Vancouver Sun
It's time: Countdown clocks signal kickoff of 2026 FIFA World Cup is one year away
The one-year countdown to the 2026 World Cup starts Wednesday, with clocks to be unveiled to mark the occasion in Toronto, Vancouver and Niagara Falls. Toronto and Vancouver are World Cup host cities. Niagara Falls offers a world-class backdrop for a reminder that FIFA's expanded 48-team soccer showcase is just around the corner. There are more milestones to come in Canada, with a call for some 7,000 volunteers to be issued in August, ticket sales starting in September and the tournament draw in December. Adidas has yet to unveil the match ball. Tournament mascots will also be introduced. The tournament's official poster will join those of the 16 host cities. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. And the World Cup trophy is scheduled to make an appearance in Ottawa on Canada Day. The World Cup kicks off June 11, 2026, with games in Mexico City and Guadalajara. On June 12, the focus switches to matches in Toronto and Los Angeles. The final is set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. 'It's nine years so far on this project,' said Peter Montopoli, chief tournament officer for Canada. 'This marathon is now at one year out, turned into a sprint. I think that's the part we really enjoy. For the people who love to run events, this is the part that really excites them. This is where all the magic happens in the last year. 'So it's exciting. It's an exciting time to be running the event, it's an exciting time for FIFA and it's an exciting time for our country.' In all, there will be 104 games, with 13 each in Canada and Mexico and the remaining 78 in the U.S. The last seven editions of the tournament featured 32 teams and 64 games. In addition to co-hosts Canada, Mexico and the U.S., Japan, Iran, Japan, Jordan, South Korea and Uzbekistan have already qualified from Asia, along with New Zealand from Oceania and defending champion Argentina from South America (CONMEBOL). It will be a first World Cup appearance for both Jordan and Uzbekistan. On Wednesday, the two Canadian host cities will also release anniversary videos with actor Will Arnett featured in Toronto's and former Canada goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc in Vancouver's. Canadians will be able to apply for tickets two ways _ through the FIFA lottery (assuming FIFA follows past practices) and via membership in Canada Soccer's Canada Red program, which will distribute the ticket allotment for Canada matches. 'There's different ways to purchase (tickets),' said Montopoli. 'If you want to get in early, you go in the fall.' Montopoli said there is no word yet on ticket pricing. While the full match schedule won't be known until the draw, Canada will open in Toronto and then play its remaining group games in Vancouver. Toronto and Vancouver will each host five opening-round matches plus a round-of-32 knockout match. Vancouver will also stage a round-of-16 game. Canada Soccer is revamping its existing Canada Red membership program, expanding it from the current three tiers (the first free and the other two at a cost of $50 and $150 annually) to seven levels (from free to $5,000 annually). Each tier provides access to Canada Soccer's ticketing allotment lottery for games featuring the Canadian men — the higher the tier, the higher the chances of securing tickets. FIFA traditionally reserves a portion of each World Cup game's tickets for fans from the countries involved. This is Canada's method of distributing them. Canada Soccer also used a Canada Red tiered approach for tickets for Canada's games at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Each of the seven Canada Red tiers will be allotted some 14 per cent of Canada Soccer's ticket pool. But Canada Red members in the top tiers will have the best chance to access tickets as they will have access to the first draw and each subsequent draw afterwards. Canada Red, the new version of which launches in late July, 'directly supports' the Canada Soccer Foundation, according to Canada Soccer. While the clock counts down, the City of Toronto is still looking for funds to help pay for its end of the tournament, arguing that it is having to dig deeper into its pocket because the cost of providing services related to public transport, policing and hospitals, among others, has increased to almost $40 million in total — reducing the provincial cash contribution and adding to the city's bill. The cost of hosting six games in Toronto has been pegged at $380 million, with the federal government contributing $104 million and Ontario, including services, $97 million. Toronto's tab is $178.7 million (47 per cent of the total cost). A ring of permanent suites is under construction at B.C. Place Stadium. BMO Field will get an additional 17,750 seats, bringing total capacity to around 45,735 seats, with the north and south ends expanded. Two of four new video screens are now working at BMO Field, which is also getting new suites. FIFA will take over the tournament stadiums 30 days before the first game there, which would mean May 13 for Toronto and May 14 for Vancouver. The tournament office in Toronto, already up and running, will have 82 full-time staff — it's currently around 70 — with most getting an early taste of tournament work via the FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off later this month in the U.S. The Vancouver office opens next Tuesday before the CONCACAF Gold Cup. 'We know what we need to do to execute,' Montopoli said of tournament preparation. 'So we feel very comfortable in where we stand today. There's always little nuances that can happen, but as of today — one year out — we're exactly where we felt we needed to be to position ourselves for success.'
CTV News
2 days ago
- Sport
- CTV News
It's time: Countdown clocks signal kickoff of 2026 FIFA World Cup is one year away
Signage for the official brand and new #WeAre26 awareness campaign, as a host city for FIFA World Cup 2026, photographed at BMO Field in Toronto, on Thursday, May 18, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Tijana Martin The one-year countdown to the 2026 World Cup starts Wednesday, with clocks to be unveiled to mark the occasion in Toronto, Vancouver and Niagara Falls. Toronto and Vancouver are World Cup host cities. Niagara Falls offers a world-class backdrop for a reminder that FIFA's expanded 48-team soccer showcase is just around the corner. There are more milestones to come in Canada, with a call for some 7,000 volunteers to be issued in August, ticket sales starting in September and the tournament draw in December. Adidas has yet to unveil the match ball. Tournament mascots will also be introduced. The tournament's official poster will join those of the 16 host cities. And the World Cup trophy is scheduled to make an appearance in Ottawa on Canada Day. The World Cup kicks off June 11, 2026, with games in Mexico City and Guadalajara. On June 12, the focus switches to matches in Toronto and Los Angeles. The final is set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. 'It's nine years so far on this project,' said Peter Montopoli, chief tournament officer for Canada. 'This marathon is now at one year out, turned into a sprint. I think that's the part we really enjoy. For the people who love to run events, this is the part that really excites them. This is where all the magic happens in the last year. 'So it's exciting. It's an exciting time to be running the event, it's an exciting time for FIFA and it's an exciting time for our country.' In all, there will be 104 games, with 13 each in Canada and Mexico and the remaining 78 in the U.S. The last seven editions of the tournament featured 32 teams and 64 games. In addition to co-hosts Canada, Mexico and the U.S., Japan, Iran, Japan, Jordan, South Korea and Uzbekistan have already qualified from Asia, along with New Zealand from Oceania and defending champion Argentina from South America (CONMEBOL). It will be a first World Cup appearance for both Jordan and Uzbekistan. On Wednesday, the two Canadian host cities will also release anniversary videos with actor Will Arnett featured in Toronto's and former Canada goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc in Vancouver's. Canadians will be able to apply for tickets two ways — through the FIFA lottery (assuming FIFA follows past practices) and via membership in Canada Soccer's Canada Red program, which will distribute the ticket allotment for Canada matches. 'There's different ways to purchase (tickets),' said Montopoli. 'If you want to get in early, you go in the fall.' Montopoli said there is no word yet on ticket pricing. While the full match schedule won't be known until the draw, Canada will open in Toronto and then play its remaining group games in Vancouver. Toronto and Vancouver will each host five opening-round matches plus a round-of-32 knockout match. Vancouver will also stage a round-of-16 game. Canada Soccer is revamping its existing Canada Red membership program, expanding it from the current three tiers (the first free and the other two at a cost of $50 and $150 annually) to seven levels (from free to $5,000 annually). Each tier provides access to Canada Soccer's ticketing allotment lottery for games featuring the Canadian men — the higher the tier, the higher the chances of securing tickets. FIFA traditionally reserves a portion of each World Cup game's tickets for fans from the countries involved. This is Canada's method of distributing them. Canada Soccer also used a Canada Red tiered approach for tickets for Canada's games at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Each of the seven Canada Red tiers will be allotted some 14 percent of Canada Soccer's ticket pool. But Canada Red members in the top tiers will have the best chance to access tickets as they will have access to the first draw and each subsequent draw afterwards. Canada Red, the new version of which launches in late July, 'directly supports' the Canada Soccer Foundation, according to Canada Soccer. While the clock counts down, the City of Toronto is still looking for funds to help pay for its end of the tournament, arguing that it is having to dig deeper into its pocket because the cost of providing services related to public transport, policing and hospitals, among others, has increased to almost $40 million in total — reducing the provincial cash contribution and adding to the city's bill. The cost of hosting six games in Toronto has been pegged at $380 million, with the federal government contributing $104 million and Ontario, including services, $97 million. Toronto's tab is $178.7 million (47 percent of the total cost). A ring of permanent suites is under construction at B.C. Place Stadium. BMO Field will get an additional 17,750 seats, bringing total capacity to around 45,735 seats, with the north and south ends expanded. Two of four new video screens are now working at BMO Field, which is also getting new suites. FIFA will take over the tournament stadiums 30 days before the first game there, which would mean May 13 for Toronto and May 14 for Vancouver. The tournament office in Toronto, already up and running, will have 82 full-time staff — it's currently around 70 — with most getting an early taste of tournament work via the FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off later this month in the U.S. The Vancouver office opens next Tuesday ahead of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. 'We know what we need to do to execute,' Montopoli said of tournament preparation. 'So we feel very comfortable in where we stand today. There's always little nuances that can happen, but as of today — one year out — we're exactly where we felt we needed to be to position ourselves for success.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 10, 2025 Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press
CBC
2 days ago
- Sport
- CBC
It's time: Countdown clocks signal kickoff of men's FIFA World Cup 1 year away
The one-year countdown to the 2026 World Cup starts Wednesday, with clocks to be unveiled to mark the occasion in Toronto, Vancouver and Niagara Falls. Toronto and Vancouver are World Cup host cities. Niagara Falls offers a world-class backdrop for a reminder that FIFA's expanded 48-team soccer showcase is just around the corner. There are more milestones to come in Canada, with a call for some 7,000 volunteers to be issued in August, ticket sales starting in September and the tournament draw in December. Adidas has yet to unveil the match ball. Tournament mascots will also be introduced. The tournament's official poster will join those of the 16 host cities. And the World Cup trophy is scheduled to make an appearance in Ottawa on Canada Day. The World Cup kicks off June 11, 2026, with games in Mexico City and Guadalajara. On June 12, the focus switches to matches in Toronto and Los Angeles. The final is set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. "It's nine years so far on this project," said Peter Montopoli, chief tournament officer for Canada. "This marathon is now at one year out, turned into a sprint. I think that's the part we really enjoy. For the people who love to run events, this is the part that really excites them. This is where all the magic happens in the last year. "So it's exciting. It's an exciting time to be running the event, it's an exciting time for FIFA and it's an exciting time for our country." WATCH: Jonathan David scores twice as Canada beats Ukraine: Jonathan David scores twice, Canada downs Ukraine at Canadian Shield 3 days ago Duration 2:32 Canada will host 13 games In all, there will be 104 games, with 13 each in Canada and Mexico and the remaining 78 in the U.S. The last seven editions of the tournament featured 32 teams and 64 games. In addition to co-hosts Canada, Mexico and the U.S., Japan, Iran, Japan, Jordan, South Korea and Uzbekistan have already qualified from Asia, along with New Zealand from Oceania and defending champion Argentina from South America (CONMEBOL). It will be a first World Cup appearance for both Jordan and Uzbekistan. On Wednesday, the two Canadian host cities will also release anniversary videos with actor Will Arnett featured in Toronto's and former Canada goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc in Vancouver's. Canadians will be able to apply for tickets two ways — through the FIFA lottery (assuming FIFA follows past practices) and via membership in Canada Soccer's Canada Red program, which will distribute the ticket allotment for Canada matches. "There's different ways to purchase [tickets]," said Montopoli. "If you want to get in early, you go in the fall." Montopoli said there is no word yet on ticket pricing. While the full match schedule won't be known until the draw, Canada will open in Toronto and then play its remaining group games in Vancouver. Toronto and Vancouver will each host five opening-round matches plus a round-of-32 knockout match. Vancouver will also stage a round-of-16 game. Canada Soccer is revamping its existing Canada Red membership program, expanding it from the current three tiers (the first free and the other two at a cost of $50 and $150 annually) to seven levels (from free to $5,000 annually). Each tier provides access to Canada Soccer's ticketing allotment lottery for games featuring the Canadian men — the higher the tier, the higher the chances of securing tickets. FIFA traditionally reserves a portion of each World Cup game's tickets for fans from the countries involved. This is Canada's method of distributing them. Canada Soccer also used a Canada Red tiered approach for tickets for Canada's games at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Canada Soccer's ticket pool Each of the seven Canada Red tiers will be allotted some 14 percent of Canada Soccer's ticket pool. But Canada Red members in the top tiers will have the best chance to access tickets as they will have access to the first draw and each subsequent draw afterwards. Canada Red, the new version of which launches in late July, "directly supports" the Canada Soccer Foundation, according to Canada Soccer. While the clock counts down, the City of Toronto is still looking for funds to help pay for its end of the tournament, arguing that it is having to dig deeper into its pocket because the cost of providing services related to public transport, policing and hospitals, among others, has increased to almost $40 million in total — reducing the provincial cash contribution and adding to the city's bill. The cost of hosting six games in Toronto has been pegged at $380 million, with the federal government contributing $104 million and Ontario, including services, $97 million. Toronto's tab is $178.7 million (47 percent of the total cost). A ring of permanent suites is under construction at B.C. Place Stadium. BMO Field will get an additional 17,750 seats, bringing total capacity to around 45,735 seats, with the north and south ends expanded. Two of four new video screens are now working at BMO Field, which is also getting new suites. FIFA will take over the tournament stadiums 30 days before the first game there, which would mean May 13 for Toronto and May 14 for Vancouver. The tournament office in Toronto, already up and running, will have 82 full-time staff — it's currently around 70 — with most getting an early taste of tournament work via the FIFA Club World Cup, which kicks off later this month in the U.S. The Vancouver office opens next Tuesday ahead of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. "We know what we need to do to execute," Montopoli said of tournament preparation. "So we feel very comfortable in where we stand today. There's always little nuances that can happen, but as of today — one year out — we're exactly where we felt we needed to be to position ourselves for success."
