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The World Cup Promised $3.8 Billion — Here's What Canada Actually Got

       Monday July 13, 2026 FIFA promised Canada a $3.8-billion economic windfall for hosting the 2026 World Cup. Two weeks into play in Toronto, the receipts tell a very different story — and there's a lesson in it for anyone thinking a "big event" boost is coming to their city, their rental property, or their business. The Billion-Dollar Bill Came First Before a single ball was kicked, Canadian taxpayers were already on the hook. According to the Parliamentary Budget Office, governments across the country will spend roughly $1.07 billion hosting the 2026 tournament. Toronto alone budgeted $380 million to host six matches at BMO Field. British Columbia's tab for Vancouver's seven matches at BC Place came in even higher, at about $578 million. Ottawa is chipping in $473 million of that total — including $220 million in direct grants to Toronto and B.C., plus another $145 million earmarked for security costs during the tournament. Net of federal help, Toronto and B...

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Thousands of Syrians Begin Journey Home from Turkey

 

Hundreds of Syrian refugees gathered at the Cilvegozu and Oncupinar border crossings in southern Turkey on Monday, eagerly awaiting their return home following the fall of President Bashar Assad’s government. Many arrived at the border gates at daybreak, wrapped in blankets and coats, some even setting up makeshift fires to keep warm.

Among the crowd was 28-year-old Muhammed Zin, who fled Damascus in 2016 and has been living in Istanbul. “Assad was shooting us, killing us,” he told the Associated Press. “I will return to Syria now. Thank God, the war is over,” he said.

Seer Ali, 18, who left Damascus six years ago, expressed similar sentiments. “We are very happy, very happy. Not just me, but everyone, all of us Syrians here are very happy,” he said. “Everyone will return, no one will stay here. They will all go to their families.”

Turkish officials have not disclosed the exact number of Syrians who have returned since Assad’s downfall. Authorities have set up checkpoints to ensure only those with proper documentation can advance to the border gate. The fall of Assad has sparked widespread joy among Turkey’s three million Syrian refugees, many of whom have taken to the streets to celebrate.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated, “We will continue our efforts to ensure the safe and voluntary return of Syrians and to rebuild the country.”

As the first major wave of refugees begins their journey home, the future remains uncertain, but hope and excitement fill the air.




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