As Toronto prepares to welcome visitors from around the world for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, we would like to share important information regarding potential traffic impacts that may affect some of our school communities, particularly those located downtown (Bishop Macdonell Catholic Elementary School, St. Mary Catholic School, St. Sebastian Catholic School, and Holy Family Catholic School) near Toronto Stadium (BMO Field), Exhibition Place, Liberty Village, and the FIFA Fan Festival in Fort York.
Schools will remain open and student transportation services will continue to operate throughout the tournament; however, increased congestion, road closures, and detours should be expected when matches are scheduled. This may lead to significant travel and transportation delays for families, particularly during afternoon dismissal periods.
School Bus Operations
Student transportation services, including special education transportation, will continue to operate during the FIFA World Cup. However, significant delays to afternoon bus departures and arrivals may occur on game days due to increased traffic, road closures, and detours.
Major transportation delays are expected to primarily affect downtown routes travelling through or near Exhibition Place, Liberty Village, and Fort York.
Families wishing to arrange alternative transportation for their child(ren) on game days are reminded to contact their school bus operator directly with as much advance notice as possible. Please access the school bus operator’s contact information on the BusPlanner portal.
School Bus Operations for Students with Special Education Needs
We would like families to be aware that due to the FIFA games on the above noted days, there will likely be significant transportation delays due to traffic rerouting. This could mean students are traveling on buses significantly longer than usual. We strongly recommend that you provide additional snacks, water, and other essential items in the event the school bus experiences significant delays. Families are encouraged to remain in contact with their transportation operator for status updates and to monitor the BusPlanner portal for real-time information.
School Operations
At this time, we do not anticipate disruptions to regular school operations or instructional programming. However, families and staff travelling to schools in affected areas will require additional travel time on June 12, 17, and 23 due to potential impacts from traffic detours.
To support families and students during the morning commute, principals in impacted areas have been asked to exercise flexibility with late arrivals.
Ways Families Can Prepare
Allow extra travel time on game days, especially during afternoon pick-up.
Monitor local traffic and transit updates before travelling to and from school.
Access the latest road closure information on the City of Toronto Road Restrictions website.
Consider alternate routes or transportation arrangements where possible.
Pack additional snacks, water, or other essentials for students who may experience longer commute times.
Arrange flexible pick-up plans, where feasible, to help avoid peak congestion periods.
Plan and monitor for potential delays if using TTC or GO Transit.
Our schools and transportation partners will continue to monitor conditions closely and implement contingency measures to support safe and efficient operations wherever possible. Families will continue to receive updates through the BusPlanner portal if school bus delays occur and should prepare for these significant delays during the duration of the FIFA World Cup in Toronto.
Thank you for your understanding, patience, and continued cooperation as Toronto hosts this significant international event.