With the clock ticking down until the 2026 FIFA World Cup a few years away, Toronto was shown off to soccer elite on Monday as part of the latest push to host games in the massive 30-day global tournament.

Toronto is vying to be one of 16 cities taking part in awinning united North American bid with plans to have the games cycle from host venues in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico.

These host cities are still not decided, though just about every municipality on the continent wants the chance to be involved in hostingone of the most-watched sporting events, garnering the eyes ofhalf the world's population in 2018.

As part of an in-depth review of host cities' venues, infrastructure, readiness, and capabilities, Mayor John Tory was joined by sports executives, business leaders, and other politicians on Monday afternoon to receive a visiting Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) delegation.

Led by FIFA Vice-President and Concacaf President Victor Montagliani, the delegation was in town for a one-day evaluation visit, following visits to 21 other cities and 23 venues across the continent.

Today FIFA is in Toronto for an evaluation visit for TO to host games during the 2026 World Cup. Presentations, meetings, venue tours, wish us luck!#topoli#onpoli#canpoli@CanadaSoccerEN#FIFA#concacaf#Toronto

— Bob Richardson (@bobryyz)November 22, 2021

The brief tour included stops at BMO Field — the stadium's capacityexpanding to over 45,000as part of the bid as per FIFA regulations — as well as other city-owned assets that could be as used for venues for fan activations, training or events.

Fifa would love the atmosphere in Toronto! I really hope the city gets selected and we can add 20-30k seats. Soccer is on the rise in Canada and we need to support it

— SujeshCFC (@SujeshCFC)November 22, 2021

Plans to bring Toronto to the world stage of soccer have been in the works since 2014, when city council directed staff to consider opportunities to co-host major events with other cities, including the 2026World Cup.

The next steps came four years later, when council authorized Toronto to be part of the joint North American bid.

Wish I was there in person for my good friend@johntorybut I'm flying back from my movie premieres in Vancouver. I am there in spirit Mayor!! Toronto is a worldclass city and is deserving to host the World Cup 2026!https://t.co/lVKq0jxmj7

— Nav Bhatia Superfan (@superfan_nav)November 22, 2021

"Today, along with all of our partners we had the opportunity to showcase our great city and all of the service we can provide FIFA, athletes, fans and other stakeholders if they choose Toronto as a host city," said Mayor John Tory on Monday.

"We have the capacity and facilities to create a unique and exciting event in 2026 and I know that our partners, city ambassadors and residents will play a key role in making this possible."

Four dozen teams will face off in what will be the largest FIFA World Cup ever in 2026.

Though the exact tournament dates have not been announced, FIFA is expected to reveal the final host cities early next year, with city council to receive an update on the bid around the same time.