Toronto kicked off the one-year countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in style on Thursday, transforming Nathan Phillips Square into a celebration of soccer spirit, community pride and the unveiling of the official Toronto 2026 FIFA World Cup countdown clock.
Yesterday, the city hosted “Soccer Day Toronto,” a milestone marking exactly 12 months until it welcomes the first World Cup match next year.
Fans, residents and families excitedly gathered for the festivities, which featured live music, food trucks, giveaways, soccer demonstrations, and the reveal of the World Cup countdown clock.
The clock, installed in the plaza, will remain on display until the final whistle of the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.
Toronto marks the one-year countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ with a Soccer Day celebration at Nathan Phillips Square
— City of Toronto 🇨🇦 (@cityoftoronto) June 12, 2025
News release: https://t.co/33uRPzmxEx pic.twitter.com/Z49UlqrZJE
Mayor Olivia Chow officially announced June 12 as the first-ever Soccer Day in Toronto and spoke on the city’s preparations for the World Cup, and on the ongoing development of new mini soccer fields in Toronto as part of the Soccer for All Legacy program. The initiative aims to promote access, equity, and long-term opportunities in sport, particularly in communities that have historically lacked resources.
“Today’s celebration and the unveiling of the countdown clock capture the spirit of Toronto, a diverse city passionate about and united by sport. As we celebrate Soccer Day in Toronto and count down the days to FIFA World Cup 26, we are proud to showcase our vibrant city to the world,” Mayor Olivia Chow said.
“Soccer brings people together, and when you see the jerseys worn by residents from all corners of the globe, it’s clear that Toronto is truly the world in one city. We are ready to welcome the world and ensure this tournament leaves a lasting legacy for our communities.”
Adding to the excitement, Canadian actor and comedian Will Arnett expressed his pride in Toronto’s role on the soccer world stage, in a YouTube video posted Thursday.
What if @arnettwill were your Toronto tour guide? The homegrown hero subs in to take us through what he loves about this city 🏆🫡 #WeAre26 #WeAreToronto
— FIFA World Cup 26 Toronto (@FWC26Toronto) June 11, 2025
Et si Will Arnett était votre guide touristique à Toronto? 🏆🫡 #NousSommes26 #NousSommesToronto pic.twitter.com/81H1dapCC8
In a special segment, Arnett, a Toronto native, showed off his hometown with pride and described the upcoming event as “a dream come true.”
“We are Toronto, the world in a city,” Arnett said in the video.
The City of Toronto is set to host six matches in the FIFA World Cup 26, starting with the first-ever men’s FIFA World Cup match on Canadian land and featuring Canada’s Men’s National Team on June 12, 2026. All the games in Toronto are happening at the BMO Field.
The schedule for the other games is set for June 17, 2026, June 20, June 23, June 26 and finishing off on July 2, with the round of 32 match.
During the World Cup, there will be a FIFA Fan Festival at Fort York National Historic Site and The Bentway featuring live broadcasts of matches on wide screens, music, food, and art at this free, all-ages festival.
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“It’s where Toronto’s global heartbeat meets the beautiful game – a place to cheer, dance, snack, and celebrate with fans from around the world,” the City’s website states.
For more information about the FIFA World Cup taking place in Toronto, visit the city’s website here.
