Cheer on Canada – World Cup kicks off this week with watch parties across Durham Region

With Canada’s opening match in the world’s biggest soccer tournament only days away, communities around the GTA are gearing up with 2026 World Cup watch parties to cheer on Canada on home soil.

In Whitby, the town, in partnership with the Whitby FC soccer club, is hosting watch parties on June 12 at Whitby Civic Park for Canada’s opening match at Toronto’s BMO Field against Bosnia Herzegovina and on June 18 at Whitby FC for the game against Quatar from Vancouver.

In Ajax the town is encouraging fans to cheer on Canada at free outdoor watch parties for all three of the co-host’s matches in the first round. Fans can kick things off June 12 at the Ajax Fairgrounds for the Bosnia game, followed by watch parties at Pat Bayly Square on June 18 (Qatar) and June 24 (Switzerland).

There will be food vendors, family activities and entertainment at all three events.

The City of Pickering is partnering with Pickering Football Club to host a series of FIFA World Cup Watch Parties. “Together, we’re creating an exciting viewing experience that brings the community together to cheer on the Canadian Men’s National Team.”

• Friday, June 12 – Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex (Lobby)
  Canada vs. Bosnia | Kickoff: 3 p.m.
• Thursday, June 18 – Pickering Soccer Centre
  Canada vs. Qatar | Kickoff: 6 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 24 – Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex (Lobby)
  Canada vs. Switzerland | Kickoff: 3 p.m.
• Sunday, July 19 – Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex (Lobby)
  Final Match | Kickoff: 3 p.m.

Residents are encouraged to wear red and white, bring their Canada gear and join in cheering on Canada. Free snacks, games and prizes will be offered.

If Team Canada advances, stay tuned for more watch parties to be added.

Various pubs and other locations will be hosting watch parties in Oshawa, including Bollocks and the Oshawa Italian Centre and North End Bowl, which is teaming up with corporate partners for Canada’s first match this Friday.

NEBS is combining its colossal 181-inch TV with a brand-new 100-inch television plus two 75-inch TVs and a 65-inch set to provide wall-to-wall soccer for its patrons.

There will be free Powerade (while supplies last) and giveaways throughout the match.

OPG is hosting watch parties at several of its sites including the Darlington Nuclear Information Centre in Courtice for a quarter-final game on July 4 and the World Cup Final at the Pickering Nuclear Information Centre on July 19.