The city will screen Team Canada matches and the World Cup final at Richmond Green and Dave Barrow Civic Square, with food vendors, soccer activities, entertainment and giveaways.
By Staff Writer
Richmond Hill will host a series of free public watch parties this summer as FIFA World Cup 2026 comes to the GTA, giving residents a chance to gather locally for select matches on a large outdoor screen.
The city says the events are intended to create a family-friendly soccer atmosphere, with activities, community booths, entertainment and fan experiences before and during the matches. Residents are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, arrive early and wear team jerseys, flags or fan gear. Free swag will be available while quantities last.
The first event is scheduled for Friday, June 12 at 2 p.m. at Richmond Green Park, where Canada will face Bosnia and Herzegovina. The second and third watch parties will take place at Dave Barrow Civic Square, east of the Richmond Hill Public Library’s Central Branch, for Canada’s games against Qatar on Thursday, June 18 at 5 p.m. and Switzerland on Wednesday, June 24 at 2 p.m. The final watch party will return to Richmond Green on Sunday, July 19 at 2 p.m. for the World Cup final. Match play is expected to begin about one hour after the listed event start times.
Along with the match screenings, the watch parties will include DJs, selfie stations, soccer-themed message boards, giveaways, halftime entertainment and children’s activities. Planned features include inflatable human foosball, soccer darts, bubble soccer, gaming kiosks, a gaming truck, stilt walkers and soccer trickster performances, depending on the date and location.
Local soccer groups will also be part of the events, including Richmond Hill Soccer Club, Oak Ridges Soccer Club and IFSOE. The city says their booths may include small-sided games, skill demonstrations, hands-on activities and prizes such as Toronto FC tickets and soccer swag.
Select locations will also feature a small number of food and drink vendors offering snacks, desserts and savoury options. Listed vendors include Mr. Kettle Corn, Mister Softee, Gotham Grill and Birria-Mania, though the city notes vendor offerings are subject to change.
Admission is free, but seating is limited. The city says the events will take place rain or shine and recommends guests bring refillable water bottles, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing and personal comfort items. Outside alcohol, smoking, vaping, illegal substances and items that may pose a safety risk are not permitted.