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City of Burlington will join communities across the country on July 9 as one of only 11 Ontario municipalities selected to host a Canada Celebrates FIFA World Cup 2026™ event, bringing fans together at Spencer Smith Park for a free community celebration of the world's biggest sporting event.
The event will run from 1 to 9 p.m. and feature live entertainment, family-friendly activities, food vendors, a licensed viewing area and interactive soccer experiences for all ages. Fans can gather to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™ quarter-final match on a seven-and-a-half-metre outdoor screen beginning at 4 p.m.
The Canada Celebrates event is free to attend, open to the public and does not require tickets.
Event Highlights:
Soccer-themed activities and family fun
Test your skills with interactive soccer activities, get your face painted in red and white to show your Canadian pride and cheer on local soccer clubs as they showcase their talent on the mini pitch. Activities are available throughout the afternoon and are suitable for all ages.
Licensed viewing area and local food vendors
Check out the licenced beer garden area, grab a bite to eat from one of our local food vendors, and share your love of the game with fellow fans.
Opening ceremony
Join us as we officially kick off Burlington's Canada Celebrates FIFA World Cup 2026™ event.
FIFA World Cup 2026™ quarter-final match viewing – 4 p.m.
Watch a FIFA World Cup 2026™ quarter-final match live on a seven-and-a-half-metre outdoor screen. Bring a chair or blanket, wear your team colours and cheer alongside fellow fans.
Live music and entertainment
Enjoy live musical performances and entertainment throughout the day.
- 2 p.m. Alfie Smith
- 6 p.m. Lucky Honey
- 8 p.m. Rocket and the Renegades
Other Activities
Other fun, family-friendly activities at Canada Celebrates event include:
- Home Depot workshop tent for kids
- Kia vehicle display
- SportChek tent + Kick it with Coke
- Selfie walls
- Tournament bracket wall
Getting There
Anyone going to attend the event or to watch the quarter-final game is encouraged to consider carpooling, using active transportation or using Burlington Transit. The event is expected to be well attended so parking will be in high demand and traffic congestion after the event is likely. To plan your trip with Burlington Transit, visit https://myride.burlingtontransit.ca/.
About Canada Celebrates FIFA World Cup 2026TM
Canada Celebrates the FIFA World Cup 2026™, a first-of-its-kind programme that will unite communities across the tournament co-host country and carry the energy, pride and passion that are synonymous with the world’s biggest sporting event beyond the Host Cities of Toronto and Vancouver.
Canada Celebrates will bring soccer fans together for live match viewings, soccer-themed activations, cultural programming, music, food, and moments of national pride. It will run throughout the tournament from June 11 to July 19 with supporting stops for the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola. With the support of the Government of Canada, municipalities and other partners, Canada Celebrates has stops spanning from coast to coast to coast and covering all provinces and one territory, from Whitehorse and Halifax to Kamloops and Niagara Falls. The programme will bring FIFA World Cup energy to 38 stops across 34 communities within a two-hour drive of more than 75% of Canadian residents.
For more information on Canada Celebrates, visit www.Burlington.ca/FIFA.
Love My Neighbourhood
This summer, Love My Neighbourhood evolves into Soccer in My Neighbourhood.
The goal is to bring Burlington residents together through a shared love of the game, through the Love My Neighbourhood program, but with a soccer twist. Residents can create a memorable event and apply for a grant of up to $500 to help cover the costs.
- Connect with your neighbours, celebrate soccer, and proudly show off your country’s colours.
- Host local events like watch parties or family soccer tournaments
- Share different cultures and food from around the world
Support for a Love My Neighbourhood gathering may include the following:
- Maximum three-hour rental at City facility at $0 (additional hours can be purchased) or rental of City park space at $0.
- Road Closure Permit provided at $0 on approved City streets and access to barricades to close streets.
- Ability to purchase insurance through provider when on City property.
- City staff (Coordinator, Community Development) liaison and support.
- Maximum $500 of funding to cover eligible expenses (reimbursed post-event).
For more information or to apply, visit www.burlington.ca/neighbourhood.
Burlington is a city where people, nature and business thrive. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at burlington.ca/subscribe and follow @CityBurlington on social media.
Quotes
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
“We’ve seen the power of sport to bring people together, so I’m thrilled we are hosting Canada Celebrates FIFA World Cup 2026. Burlington is home to thousands of soccer players, coaches, volunteers and fans, and I know our community will be out in strength and numbers for our Canada Celebrates event, as well as organizing their own neighbourhood events with support from the city. I encourage everyone to come down to Spencer Smith Park to join in the fun for the quarter-final game, or drop by a neighborhood event in your area. Creating community is what this is all about.”
Angelo Bentivegna, Deputy Mayor, Recreation and Community Services
“This event is about more than watching a match—it’s about bringing people together through the beautiful game. Soccer is a sport that belongs to everyone, regardless of age, income or background, and it can be enjoyed in communities everywhere. From the mini pitch to interactive activities and local programming, we’re creating opportunities for residents and visitors to get active, connect and experience the energy of the World Cup firsthand. Thank you to our staff, community partners and soccer groups involved in delivering a day that reflects Burlington’s passion for inclusive, active living.”
Lisa Kearns, City Councillor, Ward 2
“Spencer Smith Park and Downtown Burlington are the places to be for Canada Celebrates. Local retail and hospitality are ready to welcome residents and visitors for FIFA, not only on July 9 but throughout the World Cup and the summer season. Bring family and friends and enjoy everything beautiful Downtown Burlington has to offer.”
Links and Resources
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Media contact:
City of Burlington Corporate Communications
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