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Here’s where to watch the FIFA World Cup as Team Canada kicks off in Toronto
🇨🇦 Canada /Sports

Here’s where to watch the FIFA World Cup as Team Canada kicks off in Toronto

From Global News · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Toronto is preparing to host its first FIFA World Cup match as Team Canada faces Bosnia and Herzegovina.
  • Several venues across the city offer ways for fans to watch the games, including Canada Soccer House, STACKT market's Home of Soccer, and the restaurant NODO.
  • Cineplex is also screening select matches in theaters across Canada, providing an indoor viewing option for fans.

As Toronto gears up to host its inaugural FIFA World Cup game, with Team Canada set to play Bosnia and Herzegovina, the city is buzzing with excitement and fan activities. For those unable to attend matches at Toronto Stadium or the FIFA Fan Festival, numerous venues offer opportunities to catch the action.

This is how we’re going to create Canadian soccer culture and Canadian soccer culture is really a thing that can connect people.

— Laura ArmstrongVice-president of communications at Canadian Soccer Media & Entertainment, on fostering soccer culture.

Canada Soccer House at Toronto's Harbourfront Centre is positioned as a prime location for fans. It will broadcast all Canadian team matches on a large screen, anticipating around 6,000 pre-registered attendees for the first home game. Laura Armstrong, vice-president of communications at Canadian Soccer Media & Entertainment, highlighted the venue's role in fostering "Canadian soccer culture," which she believes can unite people.

It’s like a giant waterbed that you can play soccer on. We’re trying to open up [opportunities] for people to experience soccer while the World Cup is happening in Toronto. This is a free experience, right, and so, we think the accessibility of this for everyone living in the city is a great thing.

— Scott DowdingPresident of Sport Chek, describing the floating soccer pitch.

Further enhancing the fan experience, Sport Chek has installed a unique floating soccer pitch on Lake Ontario, described as a "giant waterbed." This free attraction aims to provide accessible opportunities for people to engage with soccer during the World Cup. Additionally, STACKT market features the adidas Home of Soccer fan hub, where attendees can watch all FIFA matches. Kelly Graham, head of marketing for adidas Canada, mentioned special game-themed menu items and the chance to test adidas cleats, comparing kicking speeds to those of soccer legends like Lionel Messi.

We have a lot of really cool menu items that will be special for certain games associated with the countries that are playing and also supported by local chefs so, really fun to check out.

— Kelly GrahamHead of marketing for adidas Canada, discussing the fan hub's offerings.

Local establishments are also preparing for the influx of fans. NODO, an Italian restaurant near Toronto Stadium, has added extra televisions to screen games and plans to host live DJs afterward. Vito Tomasicchio, a partner at NODO, described it as a "neighbourhood spot" ready for large crowds, though reservations will not be taken during the tournament. For those preferring an indoor setting, Cineplex has partnered with TSN to show select World Cup matches in theaters across Canada, including the Greater Toronto Area, with tickets priced at $9.99.

This is your neighbourhood spot. Come to Liberty Village, there are so many good things that are offered. But for us, we have a giant capacity here, it’s going to be a great neighbourhood watch party.

— Vito TomasicchioPartner at NODO, describing the restaurant's role during the World Cup.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Global News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.