What to know
- France and Spain are facing off in the first of two FIFA World Cup semi-finals Tuesday afternoon at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
- Both FIFA Fan Festivals in Toronto and Vancouver will be broadcasting the match.
- There are several watch parties in Toronto, including at the University of Toronto, Teddy Beer, and Gibbons Irish Pub.
- In Vancouver, there will be watch parties at The Library Square Pub and the Hollywood Theatre.
France is facing Spain in the first of two semi-final matches in the FIFA World Cup, who will make it to the championship game?
The two undefeated teams will play each other Tuesday afternoon at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas at 3 p.m. ET.
France has played six World Cup matches so far, with six wins against Senegal, Iraq, Norway, Sweden, Paraguay, and Morocco. France is currently first in the FIFA rankings.
Spain’s six games resulted in five wins and one tie. The Spaniards won against Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, Austria, Portugal, and Belgium. The team tied with Cabo Verde in the group stage. Spain is ranked third by FIFA.
Watch parties in Toronto
Unable to fly to Arlington to watch France and Spain battle for a place in the championship game in person? Here are some watch parties in Toronto that will bring the loud cheers and camaraderie.
FIFA Fan Festival
- Location: 250 Fort York Blvd
Grab some friends who aren’t working on this fine Tuesday and head over to the FIFA Fan Festival at Fork York National Historic Site and The Bentway to watch France and Spain duke it out in the semi-finals. The match will be broadcast at 3 p.m. but stay after the game to watch Canadian rock legends Sam Roberts Band perform at 5 p.m.
Teddy Beer
- 928 Bloor St. W.
Vibey restaurant and bar Teddy Beers will also be hosting a watch party for the match-up from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Entry is $5 and there’s a $10 minimum spending requirement, but there are lots of deals during the night. If you’re committed enough to wear a team jersey, the bar will provide a welcome shot. After every goal, shots will be reduced to $5 for five minutes and there’s also a fun prize task.
University of Toronto
- Location: 1 King’s College Circle
The University of Toronto has been hosting free FIFA World Cup watch parties on the Front Campus of its St. George campus — and the France vs Spain match is no exception. Take advantage of the city’s warm weather and sit outside with friends, UofT students, and alumni. Attendees are welcome to bring a blanket or lawn chair, non-alcoholic beverages, and/or a refillable water bottle.
Footy T.O.Gether
- Locations:
- Crafty Coyote, 511 Bloor St. W
- Mezcalero, 509 Bloor St. W
- Victory Cafe, 440 Bloor St. W
Toronto26 is running three side-by-side watch parties on Bloor Street that will be streaming the France vs Spain semi-final. The parties will be held at Crafty Coyote, Mezcalero, and Victory Cafe and all three are free to attend. Get there early at 2:30 p.m. to grab a seat before they fill up.
Gibbons Irish Pub
- Location: 26 Duncan St.
In the heart of Downtown Toronto, Gibbons Irish Pub is hosting a World Cup watch party for the France and Spain game from 2 p.m. to late. The cozy pub promises a 20-foot screen and cold pints of beer flowing all night long. Early bird entry tickets are free but regular tickets only cost $5.
Dublin Calling
- Location: 536 Danforth Ave
For Torontonians who live in East York, there’s a watch party for you too. Dublin Calling on Danforth Avenue near Pape Station is hosting a free watch party starting at 2 p.m. Catch every goal on over 10 big screens and cold drinks will be flowing from kickoff to the final whistle.
Watch parties in Vancouver
For FIFA World Cup fans who live in Vancouver, don’t miss out on witnessing history being made this afternoon. Here is a list of watch parties being hosted in the Rainy City.
FIFA Fan Festival
- Location: 2901 E Hastings St.
Vancouver will also be broadcasting the semi-final game at its FIFA Fan Festival on the PNE grounds. The match will be broadcast at 12 p.m. but stay after the game to watch rock duo The Blue Stones perform at 2:10 p.m. and The Glorious Sons perform at 3 p.m.
The Library Square Pub
- Location: 300 W Georgia St.
Do you miss the impeccable vibes Vancouver was basked in during the 2010 Winter Olympics? You can relive that energy at The Library Square Pub’s semi-final watch party. The restaurant has partnered with Vancouver is Awesome to throw one of the city’s biggest FIFA World Cup bashes. Tickets are $20 to $35 and include one complimentary lager beer.
Hollywood Theatre
- Location: 3123 West Broadway
The Hollywood Theatre on West Broadway is hosting a free community viewing party and doors open at 11 a.m.
