Costly ticket prices might put a FIFA World Cup match at Toronto Stadium out of reach for many fans, but there are tons of watch parties to soak up the tournament across the GTA.
What to know
- Toronto and GTA municipalities are hosting free World Cup watch parties throughout the tournament.
- FIFA Fan Festival at Fort York remains the city’s largest official viewing event.
- Canada Soccer House, adidas Home of Soccer and Pride House are also screening matches.
- Mississauga’s Celebration Square will air dozens of games throughout the tournament.
- Several venues are hosting public screenings of Canada’s upcoming match against Qatar.
Scoring a ticket to a FIFA World Cup match in Toronto isn’t cheap.
But for fans who still want the atmosphere, there are plenty of places across Toronto and the GTA where you can watch the tournament alongside thousands of fellow supporters.
From FIFA Fan Festival and Canada Soccer House to outdoor screenings at Celebration Square and STACKT Market, here’s where to catch this week’s World Cup action.
Toronto
FIFA Fan Festival
- Location: Fort York National Historic Site and The Bentway, 250 Fort York Blvd.
The City of Toronto’s official FIFA Fan Festival continues this week, opening next on Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. for screenings of England vs. Croatia at 4:00 p.m. and Ghana vs. Panama at 7:00 p.m.
Read More
While admission is free, fans must reserve tickets in advance through Ticketmaster. Premium packages offering perks such as private viewing areas, lounge access and expedited entry are also available for purchase.
The festival will also feature live performances from artists including Shawn Desman, Walk Off the Earth, Shad and more, alongside food vendors, public art installations and family-friendly activities.
Canada Soccer House Toronto
- Location: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W.
Canadian soccer supporters can gather at Canada Soccer House Toronto, hosted at Harbourfront Centre.
The free fan hub will screen the Canada vs Qatar kick-off at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jun. 18.
adidas Home of Soccer Toronto
- Location: STACKT Market, 28 Bathurst St.
Retailer Adidas is transforming STACKT Market into the ultimate watch party filled with free screenings, athlete appearances, and activations.
Open daily except for on Mondays, fans can take advantage of an outdoor space featuring a massive 13.5′ x 24′ screen airing every match of the FIFA World Cup, including this week’s Canada vs. Qatar.
Pride House Toronto
- Location: George Brown College Waterfront Campus, 51 Dockside Dr.
2SLGBTQI+ forward space Pride House Toronto will screen every World Cup match, including Canaa vs Qatar on Thursday at 6 p.m.
Admission is free, though capacity is limited and entry will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
University of Toronto
- King’s College Circle, 31 King’s College Cir.
The University of Toronto’s St. George campus will host outdoor screenings of Canada’s first three group-stage matches.Fans are encouraged to bring blankets or low-profile lawn chairs, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Scheduled screenings include:
- Canada vs. Qatar on June 18 at 6 p.m.
- Canada vs. Switzerland on June 24 at 3 p.m.
Ajax
Pat Bayly Square
- Location: 55 Bayly St W
The Ajax Fan Zone will screen all of Canada’s matches live on June 18 and June 24 at Pat Bayly Square.
Mississauga
Celebration Square
- Location: 300 City Centre Dr.
Mississauga is planning one of the region’s largest public viewing experiences, with 59 matches scheduled to be broadcast across 23 days at Celebration Square.
City officials say the screenings will provide a family-friendly environment for soccer fans of all ages to gather and celebrate the tournament.
Pickering
Pickering Soccer Centre and Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex
The City of Pickering is partnering with Pickering Football Club to host a series of FIFA World Cup watch parties. Watch Thursday’s Canada vs Qatar match at the Pickering Soccer Centre, while next Wednesday’s Canada vs. Switzerland game will take over the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex.
The month-long competition kicked off on June 11 and concludes with the final on July 19, with matches being played in 16 host cities across Canada, the United States and Mexico. Toronto will host five more matches, having had the Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina opener last Friday.
