If you were planning to watch Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal take on Croatia from Nathan Phillips Square on Thursday, you’ll need to make other plans.
What to know
- The City of Toronto has cancelled all FIFA World Cup match broadcasts at Nathan Phillips Square on Thursday, July 2.
- Officials say the decision was made because of the extreme heat forecast and the resources required to safely manage large crowds elsewhere downtown.
- FIFA Fan Festival Toronto will remain open with enhanced heat relief measures, including misting stations, shaded cooling areas, free drinking water and on-site medical staff.
- Fans looking for another place to watch Portugal vs. Croatia can still head to sports bars and public watch parties across Toronto.
The City of Toronto has cancelled all FIFA World Cup 2026 match broadcasts at Nathan Phillips Square on July 2, citing an extreme heat forecast and the significant public safety resources needed to support World Cup events taking place across the city.
The cancellation comes as Toronto prepares for one of its biggest World Cup match days, with Portugal facing Croatia at Toronto Stadium in a sold-out Round of 32 showdown expected to draw tens of thousands of fans downtown.
In a media release issued Wednesday, the City said the decision was made because of “Thursday’s extreme heat forecast and the resources required to safely manage large crowds at fan marches, Toronto Stadium and FIFA Fan Festival Toronto.”
Police, firefighters, paramedics and emergency personnel from York Region, Durham Region, Peel Region, Ottawa, the Ontario Provincial Police and the RCMP are all assisting with Thursday’s World Cup operations.
“The safety of all attendees, staff and volunteers through all event activations remains our top priority,” the City said.
FIFA Fan Festival remains open
While Nathan Phillips Square will no longer host match broadcasts, the FIFA Fan Festival at Fort York and The Bentway will remain open.
The fan festival will open at 1:30 p.m. Thursday for ticketed guests and will feature additional heat relief measures to help visitors cope with the expected temperatures.
According to the City, those measures include:
- Misting stations
- A shaded cooling area near Fort York
- Free drinking water trailers
- On-site medical and first aid staff
Toronto remains under an Environment Canada heat warning, with temperatures expected to feel like the low-to-mid 40s when humidity is factored in.
Where can you watch Portugal vs. Croatia instead?
If you’re still hoping to catch Portugal versus Croatia on Thursday evening, there are plenty of other options across Toronto.
NOW Toronto recently rounded up six places screening what could be Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup match.
Scotland Yard Pub
56 The Esplanade
Watch the match inside the historic St. Lawrence Market-area pub, which features 11 TVs, British pub classics and a dog-friendly patio.
Inclucity Courtyard
55 Mill St.
The Distillery District’s outdoor viewing area features a 20-foot screen, BBQ, drinks and first-come, first-served seating.
King Social Lounge
301 King St. W.
The downtown lounge will screen the match across three big screens while offering food, drinks and shisha.
Teddy Beer
928 Bloor St. W.
Fans wearing their team’s jersey receive a complimentary welcome shot, while every Portugal or Croatia goal unlocks five minutes of $5 shots.
Macedo Winery
1381 Dufferin St.
Portuguese wines, charcuterie boards and pastries will accompany Thursday’s Round of 32 clash.
Leo Bar & Grill
3081 Kingston Rd.
Scarborough soccer fans can watch the match on the big screen while entering prediction contests and jersey giveaways.
