Your guide to Canada during the 2026 World Cup

The World Cup is coming to Canada this summer, with six matches hosted in Toronto and another seven in Vancouver. Like all Canadian cities, summer is when these two metropolises come alive (Torontonians and Vancouverites are even known to smile at strangers when their vitamin D is no longer so deficient), and even without a global sporting event there’s a lot to do and see.

If you’re planning to visit either city for a match, or just to soak up some of the excitement around the World Cup, you’re in luck. The following is a guide to make getting around smoother – with tips and tricks for game day, local hangouts and favs off the beaten track, match schedules and venue logistics.

Toronto

Tips for Gameday in Toronto

Do not drive. Toronto Stadium is located at an apex of transit stops so while pre- and post-match will be crowded, there are regional GO Trains and local TTC routes (streetcars and buses) that can get you to and from the game. A Presto card will get you around on TTC and the Go Train (as well as the UP Express to and from the airport), just remember to tap on and off on GO and the UP, otherwise you’ll be charged for the full routes. Google Maps works great for figuring out the best route and backup options, and there’s also the TTC endorsed app, Transit.

Rideshares from the downtown core to Toronto Stadium should (optimal word in non-peak traffic) take 10 minutes, and the walk to the Exhibition grounds from the same area will take 30-40 minutes. There are also Bike Share docks throughout the core and around Toronto Stadium, with plenty of dedicated bike lanes to and from — download the Bike Share Toronto mobile app to find available bikes.

While Toronto Stadium is accustomed to crowds, there have been 17,756 seats added for the World Cup to the arena for a total capacity of 45,736 fans. So, give yourself plenty of time to get in and get to your seat because there’s going to be a lot of excited people trying to do the same.

Places to eat, best sports bars if you aren’t going

Toronto is, sadly, a little lacking in the sports bar department. Kind of a strange gap but it’s true. There are a few big resto-bars in the downtown core, spots like the Loose Moose, Real Sports, Jack Astor’s and Score. If you want to venture out (and you should) to some local neighborhoods, Hurricane’s Roadhouse on Bloor Street West is one of the most classic bars in the city (Rubin “Hurricane” Carter used to live around the block and go there for lunch), there’s also Toby’s Pub on College Street, and Dock Ellis on Dundas West.

In World Cups past fans would gather in neighborhoods like Little Portugal and Little Italy, spilling out into the streets to watch and celebrate in spontaneous open-air parties. Alas, the latter doesn’t have much to celebrate this time around. Still, with last call extended to 4 a.m. from June 11 to July 19th, it’s likely that neighborhood bars and restaurants rig up screens for bigger crowds, so its worth detouring through to join in.

Things to know about the venue

As mentioned, Toronto Stadium has recently undergone a renovation to add close to 20,000 additional seats for fans coming to town for the World Cup. More concession stands and food options have also been added to keep all those extra people satiated. There’s a bag policy in effect, full details here but think small and clear.

As far as dining close to the venue, options are limited. Liberty Village is about a 10 minute walk away, with a variety of food options including Impact Kitchen, Burger Drops, Kibo Sushi, Local Public Eatery, NODO, and Left Field Brewery’s sole west end location. Just take the pedestrian walkway over the GO Train tracks at Exhibition Station.

What teams will be there

There are six matches in Toronto, all hosted at “Toronto Stadium” (aka BMO Field) for the World Cup’s run. One of Canada’s Group Stage matches will be held in Toronto.

• Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina — Friday June 12, 3 p.m. ET
• Ghana vs. Panama — Wednesday June 17, 7 p.m. ET
• Germany vs. Côte d’Ivoire — Saturday June 20, 4 p.m. ET
• Panama vs. Croatia — Tuesday June 23, 7 p.m. ET
• Senegal vs. Iraq — Friday June 26, 3 p.m. ET
• Group K runners-up v Group L runners-up — Thursday July 2, 7 p.m. ET

What else to do while you’re in town

The good news about Toronto Stadium, which is a little southwest of the downtown core and the city’s lively west end neighborhoods, is that it’s smack dab next to Coca-Cola Coliseum, home of the Toronto Tempo. In their inaugural season Tempo games have been loud, with fans of all ages packing the arena. If you’re in town ahead of the first World Cup game, the Tempo play in the Commissioner’s Cup on June 10th, and you can find the rest of their slated June home games here. There are also the beloved Blue Jays, and the Rogers Centre (real Torontonians still call it SkyDome) is right downtown and accessible on foot or by every form of TTC.

Close to the core is Toronto’s historic Saint Lawrence Market, with daily food vendors (including the famous peameal bacon sandwich at Paddington’s or Carousel Bakery) and a farmer’s market every Saturday. If you’re looking for scenic downtime, take a public ferry to the Toronto Islands. You can stick to one area on foot or pick up a bicycle from one of many Bike Share stations across the island and explore it all, including swimming and sunbathing at Ward’s Beach or the clothing optional Hanlan’s Point. 

If you’re into eating your way around the city, Toronto has more historic cultural neighborhoods than you’d ever get to in one visit. Stroll through Chinatown and cap it off with taking in some art at the AGO; go east to Little India, stop for a craft beer at Godspeed or Left Field breweries, then treat yourself to one of the best meals in the city at Lake Inez. Walk along the Danforth for Greek sweets at Athens Pastries and small plates to share on Mezes beautiful patio; try the cannoli of the month at Tre Mari Bakery in Corso Italia; grab a piping hot Jamaican patty at Randy’s on Eglinton West. Some other standouts to mention: Spanish tapas at Bar Isabel, Tokyo homestyle plates at Imanishi in Little Portugal, French bistro fare at Le Swan, a secret back patio and natural wine at Grape Witches.

For kids there’s Ripley’s Aquarium, dinosaurs and mummies at the ROM, Centreville on Toronto Island, and the Toronto Zoo.

Vancouver

Tips for Gameday in Vancouver

Much like Toronto, getting around downtown Vancouver and to and from BC Place is going to get a little hairy. Take transit over driving, and consider alternate transit routes in case the main stops and stations get swarmed. Here’s a list of street closures throughout the World Cup, with maps included, as well as adjustments to SkyTrain service to and from BC Place over the course of the Cup.

BC Place is nestled between Vancouver’s downtown and Gastown, and a 15 minute walk from both. Given the road closures and possible transit rerouting, walking to and from games if you’re staying in these neighborhoods is probably the more straightforward and headache free way of getting around. If you’re taking transit, here’s a handy guide the city has put together, and allow buffer time for rideshares to get you to and from the arena.

Vancouver also has its own bike sharing network, called Mobi, and you can download the Mobi app to track down locking stations and available bikes. 

Places to eat, best sports bars if you aren’t going

The city of Vancouver is hosting a fan festival at its PNE Exhibition grounds with live viewing on screens throughout the space (plus bougier options, like reserved seating in the Festival Amphitheatre space). There’ll also be live music, giveaways and other events, all which can be found here.

For local vibes, Commercial Drive is a good bet. For bars, try The Dime, Mum’s the World, have a slice and a beer at Saint Augustine’s, try a cocktail at The Flamingo Room. While Italy may sadly be a no-show in this year’s Cup, this stretch is also home to Vancouver’s Little Italy and the coffee bars and restaurants here will still be in the spirit, if begrudgingly. 

Around BC Place, Yaletown is embracing the pedestrian-only street closures. Helmcken Plaza is turning into a huge outdoor gathering space for fans and footy enthusiasts alike, and Hamilton Street is hosting Game On, Yaletown, with mini soccer fields to spark pick-up matches and seating to watch the action go down. Yaletown Brewing Company is hosting ‘Backyard FC’, converting their space to sling burgers, pizza, pints and picnic table seating.

Sushi is sort of a must in Vancouver with constant debates over the best spots, but some reliable, fresh and delicious options include Sashimiya, Yamato, and Minami.

Things to know about the venue

BC Place has also undergone renovations to prepare for the World Cup, including a giant new merch store and technology improvements to streamline access for the massive crowds. The stadium enforces a clear bag policy, for bags no larger than 6.5” x 8.5”, some exceptions are allowed, like diaper bags. 

You can find maps of the stadium, including accessible entrances, here.

What teams will be there

There are seven matches in Vancouver, all held at BC Place. Two of Canada’s Group Stage matches will be held in Vancouver.

• Australia vs. Turkey — Saturday ,June 13, 12 a.m. ET
• Canada vs. Qatar — Thursday, June 18, 6 p.m. ET
• New Zealand vs. Egypt — Sunday, June 21, 9 p.m. ET
• Switzerland vs. Canada — Wednesday, June 24, 3 p.m. ET
• New Zealand vs. Belgium — Friday, June 26, 11 p.m. ET
• Group B winners vs. Group E/F/G/I/J third place — Thursday, July 2, 11 p.m. ET
• Winner match 85 vs. Winner match 87 — Tuesday, July 7, 4 p.m. ET

What else to do while you’re in town

If you want to soak in some of Vancouver’s famous scenery, rent a bike, walk, or jog along the trails at Stanley Park and the Seawall, get out to Wreck Beach for sunset, or hop on the Langdale Ferry for a gorgeous commuter trip (40 minutes each way) through the Howe Sound and back. If you’ve got a little more time (and aren’t afraid of heights), there’s the Capilano suspension bridge. You can also take a bus or drive to Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver for a beautiful hike through coastal rainforest, rugged coastline, and open ocean views.

Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery downtown for their extensive Emily Carr collection, or go to Granville Island Public Market for breakfast then take a walk to Kitsilano, a neighborhood ringing English Bay. There’s an open-air saltwater pool there if you’re in the mood for laps by the sea and if not, just take it in from Kits beach.

For kids, Science World is hosting a Soccer & Technology exhibition, there’s also Vancouver Aquarium — the largest in Canada — but it’s much more fun to hop on a ferry and hope for sightings of some of the local orca pods, plus migrating humpback and grey whales.

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