SOCCER: FIFA unveil cross-Canada tour to hype up World Cup

FIFA unveiled plans for the “Canada Celebrates” route, a 38‐stop national tour aimed at bringing the excitement of the 2026 World Cup to communities in every province and territory.

Kicking off in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland on June 1, the tour is expected to reach about 75% of Canadians through free festivals featuring live match screenings and cultural events.

The initiative is designed to engage fans who do not have tickets for the 13 World Cup matches scheduled for Toronto and Vancouver.

“We are bringing the FIFA World Cup to each community,” said Peter Montopoli, the 2026 FIFA World Cup Cheif Tournament Officer for Canada.

While Canada currently rank second globally in ticket sales according to Montopoli, he was keen to stress that the tour ensures the tournament remains accessible to all.

Canadian Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden, meanwhile, said the coast‐to‐coast program aims to inspire a new generation of soccer players as the country plays host to soccer's biggest tournament for the first time.

-Kyaw Soe Oo, Conal Quinn/Reuters