Canadian soccer enthusiasts have a unique opportunity to participate in one of the sport's most prestigious events, as the FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place in North America. Set to run from mid-June to mid-July 2026, the tournament will feature matches hosted in major cities including Toronto and Vancouver. As excitement builds around the event, many individuals see it as a chance to earn extra income.
To manage such a large-scale event, there is a significant demand for temporary job positions. Roles include security personnel, venue coordinators, food and beverage service staff, among others. Additionally, numerous small businesses are expected to increase their staffing levels to cater to the influx of soccer fans. Danny Murrell, founder and CEO of Harrison Staffing, noted, "If (someone) is not able to afford a ticket to attend, at least they can go work and still be a part of it."
Harrison Staffing is actively involved in the Canada Soccer House fan destination located at Toronto's Harbourfront Centre during the World Cup. The staffing company is primarily focused on filling bartender positions, along with a few busser roles. Murrell mentioned that they began accepting applications for 100 to 150 roles in April, experiencing a steady influx of candidates eager for FIFA-related job opportunities. He observed that the demographic of applicants is predominantly young males who are excited about being part of the festivities.
The World Cup organizers have highlighted the potential economic benefits of the tournament. FIFA has estimated that the Greater Toronto Area could see an economic output of up to $940 million. In conjunction, the British Columbia government projected that the event would generate over a billion dollars in tourism revenue in the five years following the matches.
Murrell emphasized that a significant portion of applicants is seeking secondary employment, stating, "I would say we've got about 30 to 40 percent of the whole set of applicants looking for secondary jobs. The other 50 percent tend to be 'I can do this full-time,' primarily students." He further remarked on the increasing difficulty for many individuals to maintain a desirable quality of life in Canada on a single income, even for those in high-level positions.
A recent online survey conducted by Employment Hero in April 2026, which reached 1,500 individuals, revealed that 14 percent of respondents were likely to consider temporary or gig work related to large events like the World Cup. Among those employed Canadians interested in FIFA-related opportunities, two-thirds expressed a willingness to take time off their main job to participate, with 28 percent indicating they would take unpaid leave and 39 percent ready to use paid vacation.
The growing interest in gig work is attributed to rising living costs and the ease of access provided by digital platforms. Karyn Xiong, a people business partner at Employment Hero Canada, stated, "It's become more accessible. Right now you have platforms like Upwork, DoorDash, and Uber that make it really convenient for someone to earn additional income on the side."
Beyond the World Cup, the summer season in Canada presents additional gig work opportunities at various large events and festivals, such as the Calgary Stampede, Osheaga music festival in Montreal, and the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto. Stacy Yanchuk Oleksy, CEO of Money Mentors, reported an increasing trend of individuals seeking side gigs as a means to supplement their living expenses. She explained, "You can only cut so far into your budget before you have to make some other changes. So adding income can certainly help the household."
As gig work becomes more prevalent, Xiong suggested that employers may need to reassess their employment contracts, especially those with rigid clauses prohibiting outside work that "don’t fly in today’s reality." There is a pressing need for employers to adopt a more flexible attitude towards assisting employees in balancing their primary roles and side gigs.
Yanchuk Oleksy pointed out potential tax implications for individuals taking on additional work. "We need to account for the fact that now our income is going to go up; it is likely not going to be taxed the way it needs to be, so we may owe come tax season in April 2027," she cautioned. She advised individuals to ensure that sufficient tax is withheld to avoid surprises during tax filing.
This comprehensive perspective highlights how the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada not only offers an exciting sporting event but also presents significant economic and employment opportunities for residents, thereby addressing the rising costs of living.
