TORONTO: As the FIFA World Cup 2026 gets underway across North America, thousands of Arab football fans are preparing to follow Iraq’s journey on football’s biggest stage.
For many, Toronto could become one of the tournament’s most welcoming destinations.
Tomorrow, Canada will kick off their campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Toronto Stadium, marking the start of a six-week celebration of football in the country’s largest city. Toronto will host six matches during the tournament as supporters from around the world descend on the city.
For Arab fans, one fixture that stands out is Iraq’s clash with Senegal on June 26, which will bring the Lions of Mesopotamia to Toronto, giving supporters from across the Middle East a chance to follow their team in one of North America’s most multicultural cities.
The appeal of Toronto, however, extends well beyond matchday.
Home to people from more than 250 ethnic backgrounds who collectively speak over 160 languages, Toronto has long been shaped by immigration. Nearly 80 percent of residents are first- or second-generation Canadians, many with roots in football-loving nations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. During major international tournaments, that diversity helps create a uniquely global football atmosphere.
“With or without tickets, the city will be exploding with World Cup mania,” said Vanessa Somarriba, director of media relations at Destination Toronto.
At the heart of the festivities will be the FIFA Fan Festival at Fort York and The Bentway, where supporters can watch all 104 World Cup matches on giant screens while enjoying live music, cultural programming, international food vendors and family-friendly activities.
Beyond the official fan zones, football culture spills into Toronto’s neighborhoods. Little Italy, Little Portugal and Corso Italia are expected to attract passionate supporters throughout the tournament, while Greektown draws a mix of Greek, Middle Eastern and Balkan fans.
Across the city, cafes and restaurants become gathering places where supporters celebrate victories and share the highs and lows of the World Cup together.
Located just west of downtown, Toronto Stadium allows fans to easily combine matchday with the city’s restaurants, attractions and waterfront. On game days, supporters are expected to gather around the stadium district and downtown Toronto, creating a lively atmosphere before and after kickoff.
For Arab visitors, Toronto’s diverse communities offer a sense of familiarity. Whether searching for Middle Eastern cuisine, Arabic-speaking communities or simply a place to watch football among fellow supporters, visitors will find plenty opportunities to connect.
Between matches, fans can explore the city’s waterfront, discover neighborhoods shaped by generations of immigrants and sample one of North America’s most diverse culinary scenes.
Those seeking a memorable view can head to the CN Tower EdgeWalk, offering panoramic views of Toronto and Lake Ontario from one of Canada’s most recognizable landmarks.
The World Cup also arrives during one of the busiest periods on Toronto’s sporting and entertainment calendar.
Visitors can catch the Toronto Blue Jays in Major League Baseball, experience the inaugural season of the Toronto Tempo, Canada’s first WNBA franchise, or attend concerts by global stars including Post Malone, Luke Combs, Paul Simon, Jennifer Hudson, ROSALIA, Noah Kahan and The Strokes.
Combined with outdoor festivals, waterfront attractions and summer events, Toronto offers visitors far more than football.
“June is going to be an incredible month to be in Toronto,” said Somarriba. “Not only due to the energy of the FIFA World Cup, but with other key sports offerings such as the Blue Jays and the new Toronto Tempo, plus summer concerts, patio season and festivals, this is the time to visit Toronto.”
For Iraqi supporters, Toronto offers the chance to experience the world’s biggest tournament in a city that reflects the international spirit of the World Cup itself.
Whether travelling from Iraq or across the Arab world, supporters will find a city where football serves as a common language and where cultures from around the globe come together in celebration.
And when Iraq takes the field against Senegal, thousands of Arab supporters will have the opportunity to transform a corner of Toronto into a home away from home.
