Community Soccer Watch Party to Bring Fans Together at Windsor City Hall Square!

FIFA fans of all ages are invited to enjoy a two-day community soccer festival on June 18 and 19, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Windsor’s new City Hall Square space (350 City Hall Square West).

The event will bring together residents, families, and visitors to celebrate the excitement of international soccer through live match broadcasts, family-friendly activities, food, and entertainment.

Attendees can enjoy:

• Live broadcasts of international soccer matches
• Food and beverage offerings
• Face painting
• Kids’ activities
• Soccer mini skills and drills
• Giveaways and prizes
• And more!

Match Schedule:

Thursday, June 18, 2026

• 3:00 p.m. – Switzerland versus Bosnia-Herzegovina
• 6:00 p.m. – Canada versus Qatar

Friday, June 19, 2026

• 3:00 p.m. – United States (USA) versus Australia
• 6:00 p.m. – Scotland versus Morocco

Whether you are a lifelong soccer fan or simply looking for a fun community gathering, this event offers something for everyone!

This watch party and special event is presented with the support of the Province of Ontario, Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island and the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association.

FIFA World Cup Schedule

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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.

FIFA SCHEDULE

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McHugh Park Soccer Complex Has New Artificial Turf Field in Windsor

The Honourable Neil Lumsden, Ontario Minister of Sport, was joined by Windsor-Tecumseh Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Andrew Dowie, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, members of City Council and City administration, representatives of the Essex County Soccer Association, and hundreds of soccer families and fans to officially open the McHugh Park Soccer Complex new artificial turf field in Windsor.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the new FIFA-quality artificial turf soccer field that has been constructed at McHugh Park. This is Windsor’s first municipally owned turf soccer field, which increases the City’s ability to potentially host high-level soccer tournaments and extend the playing season for athletes to train. Construction began on August 27, 2025, and was completed at the end of May 2026. Sterling Ridge Infrastructure Inc., Musco Sports Lighting, and Glos Associates Inc. were the project contractors. The new field was tested by a FIFA-accredited testing agency and achieved a “FIFA Quality Pro” designation. The project scope included:

• Construction of a new artificial turf soccer field built to International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) regulations;
• Enhanced stadium lighting;
• New covered player and officials’ shelters;
• New electronic scoreboard;
• New asphalt pathways; and
• New concrete pads for spectator seating.

The $4.4 million project was completed on time and on budget. The Ontario Government invested $1 million to help provide the lower maintenance field as part of the province’s $500 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), a provincewide initiative that helps communities revitalize local facilities; grow the economy; and promote active, healthy living across Ontario. The City of Windsor’s investment in the project totals $2.6 million. The project was further supported by the Essex County Soccer Association (ECSA) through a donation of $400,000.

The Ontario government’s CSRIF is an application-based program that was initially launched with a $200 million investment and has since been expanded with an additional $300 million, bringing the total program to $500 million.

Ontario’s investments in new and upgraded sport and recreation infrastructure makes it easier for people to create healthier, more active lifestyles; makes sports more accessible; and helps more communities across the province host local, national, and international events and competitions.

“This FIFA Quality Pro field at McHugh Park is a major win for Windsor’s athletes and our growing sports community. With support from the Ontario Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, our government is delivering new opportunities to compete, stay active, and grow our local economy.” – Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor-Tecumseh, Government of Ontario

Each year, Ontario invests $32 million in community sport and recreation programs to help achieve active, healthy communities across the province, including Ontario’s After School Program, the Inclusive Grassroots Recreation program, and the Ontario Amateur Sport Fund. Sport contributes more than $7.5 billion to Ontario’s economy every year, creating tens of thousands of meaningful and good-paying jobs in every corner of the province.

The McHugh Park Soccer Field project came about as part of works covered in the City’s 2024 budget. The City of Windsor’s increase in total annual capital investment is 162% since 2016. With a focus on responsible investments and city-building, City Council approved a fiscally responsible and ambitious 2026 City of Windsor Budget that also includes the following:

• 0% municipal tax levy increase
• $2.26 billion 10-year capital budget, the largest in the City’s history
• Largest road rehabilitation and repair program in the City’s history
• $317 million for capital investments in 2026 alone
• $163.8 million for roads
• $60.0 million for sewers
• $29.9 million for community services (parks, recreation, facilities, and culture)
• $5.5 million capital investment in public transit
• Anticipated added tax revenue of $5 million from new development and growth
• Significant projects that support development around the NextStar Energy battery manufacturing facility; the site of the future regional Fancsy Family Hospital; and further development of the Sandwich South lands, including the servicing of airport lands
• Continued focus on investment, growth, and sustainability
• Continued strategic management of reserves, debt levels, and debt servicing from non-tax revenue sources

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Ontario Extending Last Call During FIFA World Cup 2026

Alcohol sale and service extended to 4 a.m. to support local businesses, hospitality workers and fans during global tournament

The Ontario government 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.

“This summer, fans visiting from around the world will gather in Toronto to celebrate world-class sport. Allowing restaurants and bars to stay open later means that fans can fully experience the energy, excitement and atmosphere of the tournament while supporting jobs, strengthening local businesses and driving economic growth across Ontario.” – Attorney General Doug Downey

This year’s tournament is the first to feature 48 teams playing games across three countries, including Canada. In Ontario, Toronto will host six games at Toronto Stadium. Vancouver will also host games, alongside 14 additional host cities in the United States and Mexico, making this the largest FIFA World Cup 2026 in history.

“Extending last call during the FIFA World Cup 2026 will help Ontario deliver a safe, vibrant and welcoming experience for fans from around the world,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “As Ontario welcomes visitors for this global event, this measure will give people more time to enjoy our world-class bars and restaurants while supporting the province’s tourism sector.”

The Ontario government is working in partnership with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario to enable the temporary extension of hours for establishments that are licensed to sell alcohol, such as bars and restaurants, for the duration of the tournament.

Quick Facts

• The last call for alcohol service in Ontario is typically 2 a.m.
• This temporary extension builds on Ontario’s experience during other major international sporting events, including when the province temporarily extended alcohol service hours to support fans during the recent 2026 Olympic gold medal hockey game between Canada and the United States.
• The LCBO is extending store hours in 27 select retail stores across the GTA and Ottawa between June 11, 2026 and July 19, 2026. Extended hours are Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Last summer, the province made an amendment to the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 framework to allow alcohol sale and consumption on pedal pubs.

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2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule (Full Match List, Dates & Times)

Tournament dates: June 11 – July 19, 2026.

• All kickoff times listed in Eastern Time (ET)
• Full group stage match list
• All host cities in Canada, USA, and Mexico
• Knockout round dates included

2026 FIFA World Cup – Full Group Stage Schedule (ET)

Group Stage

Knockout Stage

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