The FIFA World Cup is the most prestigious men’s soccer tournament in the world and takes place only every four years. For the 2026 tournament, 48 national teams will compete in a series of matches over nearly six weeks.
This time around, Canada was selected as one of three host countries, alongside the U.S. and Mexico, with 13 matches taking place across Vancouver and Toronto. These two major cities have been gearing up to host the World Cup matches for several years, spending a collective $1.066 billion over the course of preparations and expecting hundreds of thousands of visitors.
Not a host city? Not a problem! While in-person matches aren’t taking place in Calgary, Calgarians can still enjoy the festivities — without the major traffic disruptions. Whether your ideal environment to enjoy world-class soccer is an outdoor gathering, a dark theatre or a rowdy football watering hole, there’s something for everyone as the city gears up for World Cup season.
Watch (and) Party!
Calgary’s downtown core will be abuzz with World Cup festivities. All of Team Canada’s group stage matches will be broadcasted on a giant LED screen at the newly revitalized Eau Claire Plaza, while the mid-July finale can be enjoyed on Stephen Avenue. These free watch parties are complete with a family-friendly fan zone boasting mascots, food trucks and youth soccer drills. The drills will be organized by Calgary Wild FC and Cavalry FC, the city’s professional women and men’s soccer clubs, respectively.
Catch the Eau Claire Plaza watch parties on Friday, June 12 at 1 p.m. (Canada vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina), Thursday, June 18 at 4 p.m. (Canada vs. Qatar) and Wednesday, June 24 at 1 p.m. (Canada vs. Switzerland). The Stephen Avenue finale takes place on Sunday, July 19 at 1 p.m. (teams to be determined).
There are also festivities beyond downtown. Deerfoot Inn and Casino is hosting watch parties (tickets required) for every Team Canada game in its Chrome Showroom. Entry includes a burger, drink and access to the giant screen and immersive sound system.
The south and west Calgary Farmers’ Markets will be showing World Cup soccer matches in the food courts every day that the markets are open. Fans can enjoy fresh food and drink specials inspired by the countries playing.
If you’d prefer a watch party with cozy, distraction-free indoor seating, select movie theatres have got you covered. Thanks to a partnership with TSN, two Cineplexes in Calgary — Sunridge Spectrum and Scotiabank Theatre Chinook — will be collectively broadcasting 20 World Cup matches in theatres, including all of Team Canada’s matches, the semi-finals, the third place match and the finale. To watch the action in recliners, opt for the matches being shown at Cineplex’s Sunridge location. For more information and to book seats in advance, check out Cineplex’s website.
Bars and Restaurants
If you’re looking for the eats, pints and camaraderie of a football pub atmosphere, you’ll want to check out one of the many local bars and restaurants hosting FIFA World Cup watch parties.
The Ship and Anchor, a Beltline bar beloved by soccer fans year-round, will likely be one of the most bustling spots to catch the action. The Ship will be showing every World Cup match throughout the series, with country-specific feature menu items and beverages available for some of the matches.
And just around the corner, it’s Elephant & Castle’s time to shine, too. Catch every match live on its 22+ indoor and patio TVs. From July 1 to 19, it will have an Ultimate Matchday Viewing Tent beside the restaurant that will be playing the matches on a large screen, with additional bars and interactive games. Stick around after the clock runs out to see live music in an already buzzing atmosphere.
SS106 Aperitivo Bar doesn’t want to miss a moment either — this Italian restaurant is even adjusting its hours to accommodate every single match of the World Cup, opening its doors 30 minutes ahead of kickoff when matches fall outside of its regular hours. TVs will show the matches with sound throughout the bar, including on the front and back patios, and there will be World Cup-specific cocktail lists and drink specials.
Additional spots getting in the World Cup spirit include Latin restaurant Tropical, which will have beer specials to enjoy while watching the games on big screens, and Jameson’s, which will have drink deals during the group stages matches, pouring $7.50 Michelob Ultra during match play.
The excitement is sure to permeate throughout the city and these are just some of the watch parties taking place. Be sure to check in with your favourite local spots for additional festivities.