By: Belinda Nketia
FIFA has unveiled Canada Celebrates, a nationwide fan engagement program designed to bring the excitement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to communities across Canada ahead of the tournament scheduled for June and July next year.
The initiative will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026. It will feature free, one-day celebration events in up to 40 locations nationwide. This will allow more than 75 percent of Canadians to access a World Cup celebration site within a two-hour drive.
According to FIFA, the program will transform public spaces into fan zones to offer live match screenings, football activities, cultural showcases, music, food, and community events. This initiative allows for an extension of the tournament atmosphere beyond official host cities namely Toronto and Vancouver.
FIFA Vice-President and CONCACAF President Vittorio Montagliani described the project as an effort to connect communities and showcase Canada’s growing football culture. He noted that hosting the World Cup represents a historic moment for the country and an opportunity to strengthen grassroots development and national unity through sport.
The Canada Celebrates tour will officially launch simultaneously in British Columbia and Halifax, Nova Scotia, to mark the country’s western and eastern coasts. FIFA says each stop will highlight local cultures while creating shared spaces for fans to gather and celebrate the tournament.
In partnership with Coca-Cola, the program will also support the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour, which will bring the original World Cup trophy to seven Canadian cities, including Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Montreal, Halifax, Ottawa, and Toronto. The tour is expected to give fans rare access to view the iconic trophy ahead of the competition.
Coca-Cola Canada General Manager Andy Buckingham said the initiative aims to create memorable fan experiences and strengthen emotional connections to the game across the country.
FIFA added that professional leagues, grassroots clubs, and national football bodies will participate in the celebrations to promote youth involvement and inspire the next generation of players.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is co-hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico, will be the largest edition in the tournament’s history. It will feature 48 teams, 16 host cities, and 104 matches across North America.
