Ontario Kicks off Interactive Experience at FIFA Fan Festival Toronto
Province’s unique attractions, destinations and experiences will be brought to life at the Ontario Campus
The Ontario government is launching the Ontario Campus, a dedicated community activation zone at FIFA Fan Festival Toronto at Fort York National Historic Site and The Bentway. Bringing together programming from Official Toronto World Cup Host City Supporters including Humber Polytechnic, OPG, OLG and Toronto FC, as well as representation from AFC Toronto, the Campus will highlight Ontario’s attractions, culture and tourism offerings for fans and visitors from around the world.
“We are ready for an unforgettable summer of sport in our province, anchored by the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Ontario Campus and Ontario Pitch will give residents and visitors a chance to experience the very best of our province while highlighting Ontario’s strength as a premier destination for major sporting events.” – Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport
At the heart of the Campus is the Ontario Pitch, a soccer-meets-mini-golf experience featuring a custom-designed course inspired by some of the province’s most iconic destinations, including Niagara Falls, cottage country and provincial parks. Visitors can also explore exhibits highlighting Ontario’s cultural attractions, vibrant communities and tourism destinations, inspiring future travel and helping guests discover all the province has to offer.
“This summer, the FIFA World Cup 2026 brings us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to introduce visitors from around the world to Ontario’s magic,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “From iconic attractions and cultural experiences to our vibrant communities and natural beauty, Ontario has so much to offer. Our government is proud to support the Ontario Campus at the FIFA Fan Festival Toronto, encouraging fans and visitors to explore more of this incredible province.”
On June 20, the province and City of Toronto will celebrate Ontario Day at FIFA Fan Festival Toronto. Taking place alongside the FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Germany and Côte d’Ivoire at Toronto Stadium, Ontario Day will showcase the province’s people, places and talent to visitors from around the world. The celebration will feature live performances by previously announced Canadian artists including Canadian-Jamaican R&B singer-songwriter Aqyila, JUNO-Nominated DJ and record producer DJ Skratch Bastid, Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter and producer k-os, as well as interactive experiences and cultural programming that reflect Ontario’s diversity and creativity. The event will further highlight Ontario’s reputation as a premier destination for world-class events, helping to attract visitors, boost tourism and drive economic activity across the province.
To help fans travel to matches at Toronto Stadium and FIFA Fan Festival Toronto, Metrolinx will increase service beginning June 10, 2026. GO Transit service on the Lakeshore East and Lakeshore West lines will operate every 15 minutes for most of the day, helping residents and visitors move efficiently across the region during the tournament. Across the network, nearly 3,000 weekly GO trips will be available throughout the competition.
Quick Facts
- Ontario is supporting the City of Toronto’s delivery of FIFA Fan Festival Toronto from Thursday, June 11, to Sunday, July 19, at Fort York National Historic Site and The Bentway. This free 22-day celebration is expected to attract up to 20,000 visitors per day.
- As part of the province’s $97 million investment to support Toronto’s role as a host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Ontario invested $20 million to build the new Centennial Park sport training facility, which will serve as an official training site for the event before transitioning into a permanent community sport and recreation space.
- Hosting the tournament in Toronto will support over 8,700 jobs in Ontario and generate more than $1.3 billion in economic activity across the province.
- To support tourism and local businesses, Ontario is allowing licensed restaurants and bars to extend the sale and service of alcohol across the province until 4 a.m. during FIFA World Cup 2026. The temporary extension will apply from June 11, 2026, to July 19, 2026.
- With the FIFA World Cup 2026 expected to bring approximately half a million additional transit riders during the tournament, Ontario is increasing transit service to help keep people moving safely and efficiently across the region.
- Media interested in attending FIFA Fan Festival Toronto must receive media accreditation through the City of Toronto.
- In 2025-26, the government invested nearly $200 million in the tourism sector through industry funding programs grants, Destination Ontario marketing, ministry attractions and tourism agencies.
- Ontario is Canada’s most-visited region. In 2024, there were 133 million visits to Ontario, generating $34 billion in economic activity and supporting 311,000 jobs.