A new $1 commemorative circulation coin marking FIFA World Cup 2026TM/MC is now entering circulation across Canada, giving collectors and soccer fans their first chance to find the special loonie in everyday change as the country prepares to co host the world’s biggest soccer tournament.
Unveiled during a ceremony at Vancouver’s BC Place on May 14, the new dollar was issued by the Royal Canadian Mint in both colourized and standard struck formats. The coin commemorates the first FIFA World Cup men’s tournament matches ever to be played in Canada.
Designed by Canadian artist Glen Green, the reverse features the upper portion of the FIFA26 CAN maple leaf mosaic. On the colourized version, the mosaic appears in shades of orange and red, symbolizing fans uniting in support of their teams. The official FIFA World Cup 2026 emblem appears to the left, while a soccer ball in motion is shown to the right above the engraved names “Toronto” and “Vancouver,” the tournament’s two Canadian host cities. Encircling the design are the bilingual inscriptions “FIFA WORLD CUP 26TM/MC” and “COUPE DU MONDE DE LA FIFA 26MC/TM.”
The obverse carries the effigy of King Charles III designed by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.
The Mint is issuing three million examples of the commemorative dollar, including two million colourized pieces. Canadians will begin seeing the coins in circulation as banks and businesses replenish their supplies of loonies.
Collectors can also obtain the coins in several numismatic formats. Both versions are included in a special five coin set alongside three nickel plated steel 25 cent coins depicting Canada Welcomes the World, the official FIFA World Cup mascot and The Match. According to the Mint, the packaging incorporates variable printing technology, creating numerous colour combinations using the official FIFA palette.
The Royal Canadian Mint unveiled its new FIFA World Cup 2026 commemorative $1 circulation coin during a ceremony at Vancouver’s BC Place on May 14, 2026. The commemorative loonie entered circulation the same day in both colourized and standard struck formats. Pictured from left are artist Glen Green, Royal Canadian Mint Chair Phyllis Clark and Interim President and CEO Simon Kamel, FIFA Vice President and Concacaf President Vittorio Montagliani, and FIFA Canada 2026 Chief Tournament Officer Peter Montopoli. (Photo courtesy of the RCM)
Special wrap rolls containing 25 coins are available in both struck and colourized formats, while a boxed set includes one roll of each version along with individual struck and colourized examples of the commemorative dollar.
“The Royal Canadian Mint is proud of the many great Canadian sporting moments it has captured on coins through the years, and we are delighted to celebrate a new milestone with a circulation coin commemorating the first ever FIFA World Cup men’s tournament matches to be played in Canada,” said Simon Kamel, interim president and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint.
“We are proud to have crafted a lasting keepsake that Canadian fans can hold onto while they unite in cheering their team during their first ever home soil appearance in a World Cup tournament.”
Finance Minister François Philippe Champagne said the coin reflects both national pride and the broader impact of the tournament.
“The FIFA World Cup 2026 is a landmark moment for our nation, and this $1 circulation coin captures the pride and unity that come with welcoming the world to our communities,” Champagne said.
“This coin is a tangible way to celebrate a global event that will drive economic opportunity and inspire a new generation of Canadians in a truly Canadian way.”
FIFA Vice President and Concacaf President Vittorio Montagliani said the coin permanently links Canada to the international tournament.
“Today we add a new chapter to our national story, as the FIFA World Cup 2026 is officially minted into Canadian history,” Montagliani said.
“It’s a small object that carries a big story. It represents more than a tournament. It represents Canada’s role as a host country on the world stage.”
Toronto and Vancouver will host a combined 13 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches between June 11 and July 19, 2026. Canada’s men’s national team has also qualified for the tournament and is scheduled to play matches in both Canadian host cities.
Earlier this year, the Mint also released a series of precious metal collector coins tied to FIFA World Cup 2026.