The FIFA Fan Festival is one of the biggest events in Toronto's history — and it runs for the entire World Cup. From June 11 to July 19, Fort York & The Bentway transforms into an official FIFA fan zone with giant screens showing all 104 matches, live music, global food, and cultural programming.
This guide tells you exactly what to expect, which matches are worth making the trip for, how to get there, and what to bring to make the most of it.
Free general admission tickets have all been reserved and are no longer available. Premium tickets are still available starting at $100 CAD (Garden Pavilion), $150 CAD (Pitchside Terrace), or $300 CAD (Casamigos Clubhouse). A ticket is required for entry — you cannot simply show up. Get tickets on Ticketmaster ↗
The FIFA Fan Festival™ is FIFA's official free public fan zone, set up in every World Cup host city. Toronto's version is one of the largest in the tournament, operating for the full 39 days of the World Cup at two connected venues: Fort York National Historic Site and The Bentway beneath the Gardiner Expressway.
It's the place to be whether or not you have a stadium ticket — the atmosphere is incredible. Think street festival meets giant soccer watch party, running every single day of the tournament. Note: a Fan Festival ticket is required for entry (see the update above).
Fort York & The Bentway
250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto ON
June 11 – July 19, 2026
39 days straight
Ticket required · GA sold out
Premium from $100 CAD · 19+ for alcohol
All 104 World Cup matches
on giant outdoor screens
Live music, DJs, cultural events & fan experiences daily
Global food vendors from around the world
The Fan Festival is more than just a big TV outside. Here's what you'll find inside:
Multiple large outdoor screens broadcast all 104 matches throughout the tournament. For big matches — especially Canada games and knockout rounds — the main screen area fills up fast. Arrive early for the best view.
FIFA books local and international artists to perform throughout the tournament. Expect a mix of Canadian artists, world music acts, and DJs keeping the crowd energized between matches. Programming varies by day — check the official FIFA Fan Festival schedule as the tournament progresses.
One of the best parts: food vendors representing cuisines from around the world, with a focus on the 48 countries competing. Expect West African dishes for Ghana matches, South American flavours when Brazil and Argentina play, and Canadian staples throughout. Bring cash — some vendors may be cash-only.
FIFA sets up interactive experiences — skill challenges, photo opportunities, merchandise, and sponsor activations. It's a full festival environment, not just a viewing area.
The Bentway is a unique linear park beneath the Gardiner Expressway that connects to Fort York. It adds additional covered space perfect for shade on hot days or shelter if it rains — a major practical advantage for an outdoor Toronto event in June and July.
The Fan Festival will be busiest for Toronto's 6 home matches and for major global games (Brazil, Argentina, France, England). Here are the can't-miss dates for the Fan Festival:
| Date | Match | Kickoff (ET) | Expected Crowd |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, June 12 | 🇨🇦 Canada vs 🇧🇦 Bosnia & Herz. | 3:00 PM | ⚡ Massive — arrive by 1pm |
| Wed, June 17 | 🇬🇭 Ghana vs 🇵🇦 Panama | 7:00 PM | Very busy (home match) |
| Sat, June 20 | 🇩🇪 Germany vs 🇨🇮 Côte d'Ivoire | 4:00 PM | Large crowd |
| Tue, June 23 | 🇵🇦 Panama vs 🇭🇷 Croatia | 7:00 PM | Busy (home match) |
| Fri, June 26 | 🇸🇳 Senegal vs 🇮🇶 Iraq | 3:00 PM | Busy (home match) |
| Thu, July 2 | 🏆 Round of 32 Knockout | 7:00 PM | Very busy |
Beyond Toronto's home matches, keep an eye on any bracket games involving Brazil, Argentina, France, England, and Spain — these always draw huge Fan Festival crowds regardless of the host city.
Fort York & The Bentway are easily accessible by transit from anywhere in the city. Do not drive — parking near the site is extremely limited on event days.
Load your Presto card before arriving — TTC machines at Exhibition can have lineups on busy match days. Presto works on all TTC streetcars and the GO Train. You can also use Tap to Pay with a credit card on most TTC vehicles.
For Canada's June 12 opener, the Fan Festival will be at or near capacity by 1:30 PM for a 3:00 PM kickoff. Arrive by 12:30–1:00 PM to get a good spot in front of the main screen. For other matches, 30–60 minutes early is usually enough.
You cannot bring your own food or drinks into the Fan Festival. Outside food and alcohol is not permitted. Vendors inside sell food and non-alcoholic drinks at typical festival prices (expect to pay $10–18 CAD for a meal). Licensed bars inside sell beer, wine, and cocktails — you will need ID for these areas.
Fort York and The Bentway are both accessible by wheelchair. The Fan Festival is designed as an accessible public space. Contact the City of Toronto or FIFA for specific accessibility accommodations.
Both are great options — here's how to decide:
| Factor | Fan Festival | Sports Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | From $100 CAD (premium) | Drinks/food $$ |
| Atmosphere | Massive outdoor festival feel | Loud, intimate, rowdy |
| Screen quality | Large outdoor display | HD TVs, sometimes huge |
| Food choice | Global vendors on site | Bar menu |
| Weather dependence | Partly covered (Bentway) | Fully indoors |
| Best for | Big moments, Canada matches | Group bookings, bad weather |
Interactive map, bar listings, AI deal finder, transit guide, and all 6 Toronto match schedules.
Yes — a ticket is required for entry. Free general admission tickets have all been claimed. Premium tickets are still available from $100 CAD via Ticketmaster (Garden Pavilion $100, Pitchside Terrace $150, Casamigos Clubhouse $300). Tickets are online-only and not available at the gate. Alcohol areas are 19+ with valid ID.
Fort York National Historic Site & The Bentway, at 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto. Near Exhibition Place and the waterfront.
June 11 to July 19, 2026 — the full duration of the World Cup. Every day of the tournament.
Yes. All 104 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be shown at the Fan Festival, including games played in other cities and countries.
Yes. It is a family-friendly event. Children are welcome throughout, except in the licensed alcohol areas which are 19+.
The Bentway section of the Fan Festival is covered. The event runs rain or shine. Bring a light rain jacket for open areas at Fort York.