Soccer fans in Toronto mark 100 days until the FIFA World Cup kickoff
Written by The Canadian Press on March 3, 2026
TORONTO — Thousands of soccer fans in Toronto, donning their favourite team colours, gathered Tuesday to celebrate 100 days until the FIFA World Cup kicks off this summer.
The event, organized by the City of Toronto at the Rebel nightclub, had live performances, food vendors representing different cultures, as well as appearances and autograph sessions with former and current Toronto FC and national team players.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow attended the event, where she delivered a speech, welcoming the tournament as an opportunity to showcase “the strength of our communities and the spirit that brings people together.”
Karan Saini, who is cheering for England and Portugal, said “it is fantastic that the World Cup is coming to Toronto, so as a fan who’s always watched it from afar, you can at least get to experience it in your own city.”
Johnny Robertson, a Canada team fan who also supports the Netherlands, says he’s proud to be cheering for Canada and hopes to see Alfonso Davies play at the Cup.
Toronto will host six games, starting with Canada’s first match on June 12.
In total, the expanded tournament will feature 48 countries competing in 104 games in 16 cities across Canada, Mexico and the United States from June 11 through July 19.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 3, 2026.
Diana Mussina, The Canadian Press