An almost $40-million dollar temporary expansion of Toronto’s BMO Field has been approved ahead of the city’s involvement in hosting six 2026 World cup games.

Members of city council’s general government committee have awarded a $37-million contract for stadium upgrades necessary to meet FIFA hosting requirements and will enable the facility to accommodate more than 45,000 fans.

Last month, city staff projected the costs of hosting the World Cup have risen to $380-million, a figure that included the stadium work.

Mayor Olivia Chow has promised to strengthen oversight of the tournament following public criticism about ballooning budgets and a lack of transparency.

Before joining the bid in 2018 under then Mayor John Tory, staff told council the games would cost $45-million.