As Toronto builds momentum ahead of the FIFA World Cup, a new international soccer tournament — the Canadian Shield — is set to debut at BMO Field this June. Chris Shewfelt, VP of Business Operations at MLSE, shares insights on what the tournament means for the city and the sport.

 

Fans at BMO Field, home of the Toronto Football Club
Fans at BMO Field

Coming to BMO Field in Toronto on June 7 & 10, 2025, the Canadian Shield Tournament will bring together four men's national teams. Match-ups between Canada, Ukraine, Côte D’Ivoire, and New Zealand will help create excitement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and beyond.

Kelly Jackson, VP of Destination Development at Destination Toronto, connected with Chris Shewfelt, VP of Business Operations at MLSE, to learn more about the Canadian Shield, the importance of soccer in the Toronto sports landscape and plans for the tournament beyond 2026.

We wanted to create an opportunity not only to prepare the players for high-level international competition, but to capture that magic that’s radiating around the city.

- Chris Shewfelt, VP of Business Operations at MLSE

Kelly Jackson: How did the idea for The Canadian Shield come about and what role will it play in the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup in 2026?

Chris Shewfelt: Toronto has been buzzing with excitement in anticipation of hosting the world in our city next summer. We wanted to create an opportunity not only to prepare the players for high-level international competition, but to capture that magic that’s radiating around the city. We are keeping Torontonians energized for next summer, while kickstarting an annual initiative that will ensure top global talent continues to return to BMO Field.

The Canadian Shield Tournament provides an opportunity for fans to experience some of the best global talent, further fueling local fandom for the sport and creating memorable moments that connect communities.

KJ: How does The Canadian Shield fit into MLSE’s broader vision for growing soccer in Canada?

CS: We are fortunate to see and experience the power of soccer to unite communities of all backgrounds every day in our business. Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world and we recognize the desire for local fans to have international representation on the pitch. The Canadian Shield Tournament provides an opportunity for fans to experience some of the best global talent, further fueling local fandom for the sport and creating memorable moments that connect communities.

It’s a great draw for fans as one ticket gets them access to both games in that match day’s double header.

KJ: What kind of impact do you anticipate this tournament will have on Toronto’s sports and tourism landscape?

CS: The tournament will be significant for tourism. We are already hearing of different communities across the country planning road trips to the inaugural Canadian Shield Tournament this June to watch their favourite international team play. It’s a great draw for fans as one ticket gets them access to both games in that match day’s double header. The individual national teams have also expressed interest in community initiatives while in town, creating an impactful opportunity to drive tourism and give us a taste of the global representation coming to Toronto ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Explore More