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Where to Eat, Play, Stay and Watch in Toronto for the 2026 World Cup

This multicultural city is famous as a destination for soccer obsessives. Now that it’s officially hosting a World Cup game for the first time, there’s never a better time to visit.

There’s a casual, naturally ingrained diversity in Toronto that’s long been the city’s calling card. Walk down any block, and you’ll hear three or four different languages, catch the scent of international cuisine, and, especially during soccer season, glimpse the bright flap of various national flags and shiny jerseys. In historic downtown neighborhoods, stalwart soccer bars abound, hosting watch parties and setting up screens and tents for tournaments that often spill out into the street if a victory is particularly triumphant. 

This year, the city is hosting World Cup games for the first time ever, and will be fielding even larger crowds than usual at the newly fortified BMO Field. But honestly, you don’t even need a pricey seat at the match to get caught up in the rush of a soccer season here, thanks to a plethora of bars and dining spots that bring the games to you.

“Toronto is such a diverse and multicultural city that it’s electric when it comes to big soccer events,” says Rocco Mastrangelo Jr., second-generation owner of Cafe Diplomatic, the historic restaurant in the heart of Little Italy that’s come to be known as the city’s unofficial soccer headquarters. “I always say even non-sports fans can get involved, because there are celebrations everywhere.” Known to locals as “The Dip,” this sprawling bar is so renowned for passionate fan gatherings that the official World Cup stream cut away to footage of the crowd here during the Qatar games. 

And the Dip isn’t the only place to get a great atmosphere, free-flowing drinks and plenty of TVs. Sprinkled throughout Little Portugal, a handful of soccer bars and restaurants known for great food and equally excited viewers are just as packed during the season. Whether or not you’ve managed to secure a spot at one of this year’s games, Toronto is still an excellent place for soccer fanatics to come and enjoy the beautiful chaos of the tournament. Even if you’re not in a soccer mood, a pedestrian-friendly layout, layers of diverse, upscale cuisine, a bevy of fantastic wine bars and world-class art museums all make it an engaging city for visitors.

The city is hosting six matches starting June 12, culminating in a final match on July 2 that could feature teams from Ghana, Panama, Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Senegal and Iraq. For those who weren’t lucky enough to score tickets to the games, consider built-out activations like the FIFA Fan Festival or the Canada Soccer House. Along with suggestions of where else to catch the games, here’s a guide to some of the most memorable food and drink in the city, plus tips on what else to do and where to stay while you’re in town.

2026 FIFA World Cup Toronto Travel Guide

Real Sports Bar & Grill

Amigos da Dundas Sports Bar

Bairrada Churrasqueira "College"

Art Gallery of Ontario

Toronto Bicycle Tours

111 Princes' Blvd, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3

It’s hard to overstate the luxury of being able to walk to and from a World Cup game and completely skip the hassle of traffic and parking, or even the need to name a designated driver. While that convenience alone is reason enough to book into Hotel X, this property also offers a multitude of other amenities for a sports fan, including an athletic club with tennis courts, squash, pilates and a tricked-out fitness center, a rooftop pool, and 404 guest rooms, many with views of Lake Ontario. The ground-floor sports bar, Playbook Commons, is an ideal spot to grab a bite or a drink pre- and post-games, even if you’re not staying at the hotel, and Valerie, the rooftop bar and restaurant, offers more skyline views with a sushi-focused menu. Less than a 10-minute walk over to the stadium, it’s ideal for visitors who plan to spend most of their time watching the games in person. It has more than just sports appeal, though, with features like a Guerlain spa and an on-site movie theater.

1150 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1J3

Arguably the coolest hotel in Toronto, this boutique, family-run property has the absolute best location in trendy Queen West—and it’s still less than a 10-minute drive to the stadium. A few streets down from several of the best soccer bars in the city, it’s also within walking distance to several restaurants and bars, like Bar Piquette, a fantastic French-coded wine bar one block over, or Pizzeria Badiali, currently the most famous pizza slice in the city. 51 rooms are snug and colorful with spacious tiled bathrooms and contemporary snacks. The ground-floor lobby doubles as a coworking space, and the all-day restaurant next door has a relaxed,........

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