World Cup tourists find Toronto is more than a match day attraction
Written by The Canadian Press on June 23, 2026
TORONTO — Halfway through Toronto’s World Cup hosting journey, visitors from around the world say the city has offered them much more than soccer.
Lovro Mihalec, who travelled to Canada from Croatia for the first time, says he wasn’t sure there would be much to do in Toronto except watch his country play against Panama at the stadium and spend time with his uncle’s family in Hamilton, Ont.
But three days after his arrival, Mihalec says he realized he was wrong and there is a lot to explore in Canada’s largest city and surrounding areas.
He says what he has seen so far – the diverse cultural landscape, the food and the natural beauty of the area – has exceeded his expectations.
British couple Bill Aitken and Chloe Lay, who arrived in Toronto three days ago, say they have enjoyed their time in the city by going to local pubs, watching soccer games, and visiting the historic St. Lawrence Market and distillery district.
Lay says she loves the energy surrounding the tournament, while Aitken says he was surprised to see the level of enthusiasm for soccer in Canada since he didn’t think the sport was as big in North America.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 23, 2026.
The Canadian Press