Toronto 2026: World Cup Game Day, the Canadian Way

Toronto will be at the heart of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, welcoming fans from across the country and around the globe. Discover curated game-day itineraries for four different traveller types, helping every visitor experience World Cup excitement in Toronto their own way.

Posted on: Tuesday Mar 17th 2026

Article by: Ronan Gandhi

The FIFA World Cup is coming to Canada and Toronto will take centre stage as one of the host cities in June and July 2026. While the city is gearing up to welcome fans from across the world for exhilarating matches and a lively atmosphere, this momentous occasion also marks the first World Cup hosted in Canada.

Despite fans travelling from around the globe to support their favourite teams, we know that Canadians will also be flying in domestically to get in on all the action as well. We know our Canadian travellers are not all the same, so curating the perfect game-day itinerary for them ensures that they’re enjoying the game, their way. Our Social Values-based Traveller Segmentation helps us identify the different kinds of travellers that may visit us throughout the World Cup.

2025 Canadian Travel & Tourism Outlook Report

Discover Insights

Stop by Fort York or the Bentway right outside of BMO field, where FIFA Fan Festivals have been set up.

Travel Segment: Mainstream Traveller

50% of the Canadian population falls into this category, valuing things like comfort and safety when it comes to their travels. As such, our itinerary for this segment group is light-hearted, stress-free, but keeps them engaged with all the World Cup action.

Game Day Itinerary

Morning: Start your morning in Little Italy at Cafe Diplomatico and try their Dip Breakfast “Special”. This restaurant is known for celebrating soccer proudly and is the perfect place to start your FIFA-filled day!
Afternoon: After brunch, explore Little Italy, to soak up all the big energy during the World Cup. This community lives and breathes for soccer, especially when Italy is playing so immerse yourself in the deep-rooted culture and great Italian cuisine.
Evening: Watch the evening match at Fort York or The Bentway right outside of BMO field, where FIFA Fan Festivals have been set up for free or at a local bar like Real Sports Bar, providing you with the most immersive sports watching experience.
Late Night: Hangout at the Fan Festival post-match or walk to Old Toronto for a nice dining experience at Cactus Club or Joey’s King St, away from all the madness but still in the heart of the city.
Where to stay: The Chelsea hotel, it’s central downtown and perfect for families who are looking for a getaway in the city.

Stop by Nathan Phillips Square to grab a photo with the FIFA World Cup cut out.

Travel Segment: Cosmopolitan Authenticity Seeker

These urban travellers have an eye for cultural and unique experiences, immersing themselves in arts and culture sites but also food and drink. For them, finding local cafes, opportunities to people-watch, and authentic gameday viewing experiences is the perfect itinerary!

Game Day Itinerary

Morning: Start with breakfast at L’Avenue, a new breakfast spot with an urban atmosphere and Instagram-worthy food, before taking a stroll through the Art Gallery of Ontario, enjoying some of Canada’s greatest masterpieces.
Afternoon: Before making your way to watch an afternoon game, stop by Nathan Phillips Square to grab a photo with the FIFA World Cup cut out and for prime people watching. Then, head to Elephant and Castle, a soccer sports bar that plays all the must-see matches.
Evening: After a rowdy atmosphere in a Toronto staple, head for tapas or cocktails at KŌST, admiring the skyline views and hearing all the soccer buzz from above in the heart of downtown.
Where to stay: Hotel X, a luxury hotel experience right by BMO field so you can continue to experience and enjoy the fan excitement even when the lights go out.

Head to St Clair and Caledonia to see the iconic Davenport Arts Community underpass mural, highlighting Toronto’s deep-rooted love for soccer.

Travel Segment: Experiential Enthusiast

This group is filled with thrill-seekers, hoping to tick off all the must-see and do experiences in the city. They love anything with high intensity or being right in the middle of a good crowd. For them, experiencing all Toronto has to offer is important, and they’d thrive in the stands at BMO field with the loud crowds.

Game Day Itinerary

Morning: You’ll want to start the day off with an adventure! Head to St Clair and Caledonia to see the iconic Davenport Arts Community underpass mural, highlighting Toronto’s deep-rooted love for soccer. From there, head into the downtown core for breakfast.
Afternoon: After breakfast and while on your way to BMO field, stop by the newly opened Soccer World Central on Spadina Ave, to grab some memorabilia like a hat, scarf, or your team Canada Jonathan David jersey. Maybe you can get a pair of cleats fitted and kick a ball like you’re on the soccer pitch yourself. If you’re in the mood for an adventure, head to Centennial Park in Etobicoke to see the new legacy field bubble and pitch, being built for the World Cup.
Evening: You’ll want to experience the game from the stands but before taking your seats, enjoy the FIFA Fan Festivals right outside the stadium, full of good food, soccer history, and an electric crowd! You can’t forget to take a picture of the historic soccer mural outside of the stadium; it’s a must-see!
Where to stay: 1 Hotel, perfectly positioned in the city to let you experience it all, never missing your next big adventure. Close to the stadium, and only a subway away from all the must-see attractions.

Credit @Toronto Star

Recreate Pele’s iconic photo from 1971 in front of Union Station, Toronto, Ontario.

Travel Segment: Nature Escapists

Our smallest segment but one that prefers being outdoors, simplicity, and spending time with nature. For them, a FIFA World Cup experience isn’t in the heart of the crowds, it’s about finding a balance between the calm and chaos.

Game Day Itinerary

Morning: Before jumping into all the FIFA festivities, take a ferry to Toronto Island and visit Hanlan’s Point, the spot where Babe Ruth hit his first professional home run. That is, if you love baseball just as much as soccer. Not only are you getting some Canadian sports history, but you’ll also find yourself surrounded by nature, the perfect start to an action-packed day!
Afternoon: Once back, grab a bite to eat at Amsterdam Brewhouse to soak in the Harbourfront views and dip your toe into the FIFA crowds. On your way back downtown, make sure to recreate Pele’s iconic photo from 1971 in front of Union Station on Front Street.
Evening: Looking for a fun way to get closer to BMO field? Take Toronto’s new Water Taxi, running from Cherry St to Bathurst Quay, or hop on a bike along the lakeshore, passing through some of Toronto’s parks and gardens ahead of going to Little Portugal. This community is close to BMO field and the Fan Festivities but far enough away from the action… Unless Portugal is playing. Then you’re in for a rowdy time! Enjoy the nightlife and walkable community.
Dinner: End the night back in Toronto’s Distillery District, for a place to eat and a casual stroll away from all the fan excitement.
Where to stay: Stay at the Pembroke Inn, budget-friendly and accessible to major transit lines and activities, so you’re always ready for game time!

Frequently Asked Questions

The FIFA World Cup is finally coming to Canada, with matches in both Vancouver and Toronto, as well as the United States of America (U.S.) and Mexico. There are two rounds being played in Toronto. Firstly, the ‘Group Stage’ kicks off on Friday, June 12th, 2026, at 3 p.m. EST with Canada against the UEFA Playoff A winner. Below are the following games being played in Toronto:

Ghana vs. Panama – Wednesday, June 17th, 2026, at 7 p.m EST
Germany vs. Cote d’Ivoire – Saturday, June 20th, 2026, at 4 p.m. EST
Croatia vs. Panama – Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026, at 7 p.m. EST
Senegal vs. FIFA Playoff 2 winner – Friday, June 26th, 2026, at 3 p.m. EST

Lastly, the ‘Round of 32’ will take place on Thursday, July 2nd, 2026, at 7 p.m. EST, teams TBD.

Credit @Toronto FIFA World Cup 26™

Toronto has a rich soccer culture and takes great pride in the sport. Beyond the excitement inside BMO Field, the city is preparing to host vibrant Fan Festivals at Fort York and The Bentway, just steps away from the stadium. These outdoor spaces will stream the matches live, allowing fans to watch together in a lively atmosphere filled with food trucks, local vendors, and fun soccer and World Cup-themed activities designed to make the experience truly memorable.

If you’d prefer to catch the games in a more relaxed setting, many bars and restaurants across the city will also be streaming the matches. For one of the most immersive viewing experiences, head to Real Sports near Scotiabank Arena, home to some of the largest screens in the city, perfect for dedicated sports fans.

The city will be buzzing throughout the World Cup, with visitors arriving from near and far to enjoy the FIFA festivities and soak up Toronto’s summer atmosphere. Planning ahead will help you avoid delays and make the most of your time in the city.

Toronto’s trusted public transit system, the TTC, offers both streetcar and subway routes and is a great option for commuting from outside the downtown core. Once you’re in the city centre, walking is often the most convenient way to get around and it’s a perfect way to take in the summer weather and the vibrant Toronto atmosphere.

For a more scenic journey, Toronto will also be offering water taxis running from Cherry Street to Bathurst Quay, bringing you right into the heart of the game-time action.

To make sure you never miss a moment of the FIFA World Cup action, download the official FIFA World Cup App on your mobile device, available for both iPhone and Android. The app provides the latest updates including new activations, match delays, and other important announcements, so you can stay informed and make the most of your FIFA experience.

You can also explore our 2025 Canadian Travel and Tourism Outlook Report to discover which traveller segment you fall into and find the itinerary that best suits your travel style.