By Yomi Kuku, Toronto Canada
FIFA has unveiled Canada Celebrates, an ambitious fan-centric celebration programme designed to spread the joy and energy of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ across Canada. The initiative was officially launched by FIFA on 28 January 2026, weeks ahead of the tournament’s opening match on 11 June 2026
Canada Celebrates marks a first-of-its-kind effort to extend World Cup excitement beyond major host cities. It will take place as a string of free community celebrations held in public plazas, parks, and open spaces from British Columbia to Nova Scotia, ensuring accessibility for football fans nationwide.
Each celebration will feature:
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Live broadcast viewings of World Cup matches
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Football activations and community competitions
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Cultural showcases and local music performances
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Family-friendly food and fan engagement areas
Notably, more than 75% of Canadians will live within a two-hour drive of at least one celebration site, according to FIFA.
“Canada Celebrates was created to recognise the passion for football that runs across Canada and to bring the energy and excitement of the FIFA World Cup directly into our communities,” FIFA Vice-President and Concacaf President Vittorio Montagliani said in the release.
As this year’s host nation, Canada is preparing for a historic moment: the first time the country will welcome men’s FIFA World Cup matches on home soil. The Canada Celebrates programme is part of FIFA’s broader engagement strategy to build connection with fans and spotlight football culture throughout the country.
The celebrations will kick off in sync on June 11, with up to 40 stops across the nation. These events are tailored to cultivate a sense of shared pride and community involvement.
In addition, FIFA’s global initiatives such as the World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola will visit numerous Canadian cities before the tournament starts, giving fans an opportunity to see the original FIFA World Cup Trophy up close.