Kensington Market will transform into a patchwork of supporter zones for World Cup 2026.
Even as this summer ends, the city is already gearing up for next June and July, when Toronto — along with other cities across Canada, the U.S. and Mexico — will be hosting the 2026 men’s FIFA World Cup.
It will be the first-ever World Cup on Canadian soil and only the third time our men’s team has qualified for the soccer tournament. Kensington Market is one of the neighbourhoods hoping to seize the historic moment.
On Aug. 13, the neighbourhood Business Improvement Area (BIA) met to discuss plans for how to mark the occasion.
The BIA board proposed holding a street festival that would turn Kensington into a patchwork of zones, each celebrating the culture of different soccer-loving nations — including countries in South America and Europe, where many locals have roots.
The board is also interested in hosting outdoor public World Cup screenings, although municipal bylaw restrictions on noise levels and third party streaming regulations may prevent this.
The BIA plans to apply for municipal funding for up to 50 per cent of eligible expenses up to $40,000. According to the City of Toronto website, this special fund will allow “eligible local community organizations to apply for support to cover costs related to planning, promoting and delivering community celebrations during the tournament…promoting diverse areas of the city.” The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on Sept. 17, 2025.
The BIA board voted in favour of forming a special working group for community members and business owners interested in helping shape the FIFA street festival. All those interested in joining should contact Swareena Rajkhowa, Kensington Market BIA’s coordinator at info@kensingtonmarket.to.
Fact-Check Yourself
Sources and
further reading
Don’t take our word for it — check our sources for yourself.
Join the conversation