The World Cup is in full swing in Toronto. The energy is electric, with fans from around the world cheering on their teams and bringing the city to life. Locals, who themselves come from every corner of the globe, are proud to represent their colours. This is my 4th World Cup in Toronto (I arrived right in the middle of the 2014 tournament) and it’s still one of my favourite moments in the city.
I’ve already put together different articles to help you make the most of it: everything you need to know about the fan zone, the best bars to watch the matches, and free activities to do around the city for the World Cup. There was just one thing missing: where to watch World Cup matches for free in Toronto? I checked out several different spots set up around the city, and I have to admit, I loved the atmosphere. So here’s everything I found.
Always double-check dates and matches being broadcast before heading out.
The Zone Adidas at Stackt Market
I already love Stackt Market in general, the space is cool, well-designed, spacious, and well-located. I got there an hour early to grab a seat, and there was still plenty of room. As you get closer to kickoff, seating fills up, but people just stood instead. No registration or tickets required.
The whole experience was simple and quick. There are free water fountains if you’re thirsty, washrooms (construction-site style, don’t expect luxury, but they’re clean), and a bar/restaurant if you want something more. You can also grab food or drinks from the other vendors at Stackt Market. And most of all, I loved being outdoors. The screen is well-placed, even when people walk by, it doesn’t block the view.
Heads up: Stackt Market is closed on Mondays (and trust me, it’s not fun showing up to a locked door minutes before kickoff!).
Evergreen Brickworks
One of my favourite spots in Toronto is also hosting free World Cup viewings in July. Double-check the dates on their website here. The space is really cool, I’ll tell you more after the first match. You can also grab food on-site. There’s parking available if you’re driving, a free shuttle from Broadview Station, or you can grab a bike from St. Lawrence Market and ride along the DVP bike path. I did that recently and it was the fastest, easiest way to get there.
St Lawrence Market
Okay, I know I keep saying this, but it really is one of my favourite spots in Toronto: St. Lawrence Market!! I love the atmosphere, I love seeing locals and tourists share the space. I go every week to pick up ingredients for my bone broth, it’s amazing building relationships with the vendors and enjoying this beautiful space. I’m getting off track, the point isn’t to convince you to visit St. Lawrence Market, but to let you know they have a big screen on Market Street broadcasting World Cup matches. They also have a small stage with performances throughout the day, and sometimes vendor stalls too. You can grab something to eat inside and post up at the tables in front of the screen. Honestly, we’ve seen worse spots to cheer on your team, right?
Pride House Toronto
The George Brown Waterfront campus (51 Dockside Drive) is opening its doors to soccer fans! For Pride Month, they’ve created an inclusive space where everyone can feel comfortable watching World Cup matches in a great atmosphere. Access is free, spots are limited, but the venue opens an hour early. Besides the matches, there are also events celebrating Pride Month. More info here..
Harbourfront
As I mentioned in my article on free World Cup activities in Toronto: the waterfront has been completely transformed for the World Cup. Floating pitch, flags everywhere, and most importantly, a big screen to watch matches for free. And we love that. Beautiful lake views, great atmosphere. Access is free, but they encourage registration to make sure you get a spot. You can find all the details here..
Les halls de bâtiments dans Financial District
I’m not sure if this applies to every office building downtown, but at Brookfield Place, RBC WaterPark Place, and others, you’ll find screens set up in the building lobbies. There’s always a crowd watching. The vibe is calmer than the other spots, but it gives people working there a chance to sneak away and catch the match.
Nathan Philips Square
Right downtown, in the heart of the action, you can watch matches for free. If you want my honest opinion, they could’ve gone with a slightly bigger screen so everyone could see properly. But the vibe was great, and it was cool seeing fans from different teams. I was there for France-Iraq, and there were fans from both teams, plus fans of other teams too. You don’t need anything to show up, it’s open access. Right before the match, there was also a live music performance. I actually think we deserve this for every World Cup, not just when it’s hosted here, because it really brings people together. For activities to do on-site, check out my article on free World Cup activities in the city.
Collège Boréal
Want to watch World Cup matches surrounded by French speakers? I’ve got an option for you too. Collège Boréal, located in the heart of the Distillery District, is broadcasting World Cup matches! Heads up: dates after June 24th haven’t been confirmed yet. Double-check before heading over.
I hope all this info helps you find the perfect spot to watch World Cup matches in Toronto. And if you’re as curious as I am, maybe you’ll try them all! Let me know if I missed any spots, and most importantly, tell me which one had the best atmosphere in your opinion.
