The Bentway and Fort York National Historic Site have been confirmed as the official venues for FIFA Fan Festival™ Toronto, marking a milestone in the city’s preparations to welcome the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
The festival will bring fans together to celebrate the world’s largest sporting spectacle, showcasing Toronto’s unique cultural vibrancy through art, music and food while offering a free and inclusive space for residents and visitors to connect through the power of sport.
FIFA Fan Festival™
The FIFA Fan Festival™ is a global celebration of soccer, culture and community, designed for fans to enjoy free live broadcasts of FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches while experiencing the excitement of an official FIFA World Cup™ atmosphere.
“This will truly be an only-at-The-Bentway moment. The FIFA Fan Festival™ will be Toronto’s meeting point for everyone to cheer on their favourite team, celebrate big wins, share in heart-breaking losses, and explore the best of Toronto talent with a range of artistic, creative, and food-based programming. Lots of surprises to come.” – Ilana Altman, Co-Executive Director, The Bentway
The FIFA Fan Festival™ will run between Thursday, June 11 and Sunday, July 19, 2026 and will feature live match broadcasts on large screens, diverse cultural performances, interactive installations and a variety of local food experiences. Specific operating days and hours will be available at a later date. This celebration will highlight Toronto’s unmatched diversity, talent and global appeal, reinforcing the city’s reputation as being the “World in a City.”
“Fort York National Historic Site and The Bentway offer the ideal setting for Toronto’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Fan Festival™. This iconic venue reflects our city’s rich history while providing a dynamic space for fans to connect and celebrate their love of soccer, right in the heart of our city. We’re excited to welcome Torontonians and visitors alike to experience the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in this memorable location.” – Mayor Olivia Chow
The City is committed to keeping the community including local residents, businesses and Indigenous groups well-informed and actively engaged throughout the planning process for the FIFA Fan Festival™. The City will continue collaborating closely with these groups to ensure meaningful participation and dialogue. An information session for area residents and businesses is planned in the coming months. Details will be available on the City’s website: www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/fifa-world-cup-26.
“Toronto is the world in a city— and in 2026, we look forward to welcoming the world to celebrate the biggest FIFA World Cup™ in history. Hosting the FIFA Fan Festival at this historic landmark will create a hub where fans can share their passion for the beautiful game — and where Torontonians can bring Toronto’s energy to life,” said Peter Montopoli, Chief Tournament Officer, FIFA26 Canada.
About the venues
Fort York National Historic Site was built in 1793 and is best known as the location of the Battle of York during the War of 1812. The Fort served as the city’s primary harbour defence between the 1790s and 1880s and was the home of a military garrison until the 1930s. Today, Fort York is preserved as a 43-acre archeological park and encloses Canada’s largest collection of original War of 1812 buildings. Every year, thousands of people visit the site to explore its fascinating history and enjoy its public programs. Fort York was designated as a National Historic Site of Canada in 1923.
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