Posted by: Jon Sinden
The largest sporting event in the world, FIFA World Cup, is here. To set the stage a little, this will be the world’s most watched sporting event, hosted jointly by Canada, USA and Mexico. New for this World Cup is the high number of teams. Usually there are 32 participating nations, but for 2026 that has increased to 48 in total to start the campaign, with a winner being crowned on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
It all kicks off on Thursday, June 11, with co-host Mexico facing South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The capacity of this legendary stadium will be in the 80,000 to 100,000 range. That’s like 5 full TD Places. Wild, right?
The sheer volume of fans filling stadiums, cheering from pubs and homes all across the world will be like nothing we’ve ever seen before. Maybe you’re wondering how you can be a part of it, here in our small corner of the world. More on that in a moment.
I was at the last World Cup in Qatar – lucky enough to witness 9 matches in total, including all of Canada’s games. It was incredible. Seeing Canada’s first ever World Cup goal, scored by Alphonso Davies against Croatia, is one of the highlights of my life. I cried when that ball went in. I was emotional every time our anthem played ahead of kick off. The unity I felt with the flag, the country, the thousands of others that made the journey to the Middle East to support their national team, was overwhelming and even a little surprising. I knew that even though I was half a world away, friends were back in Ottawa were having viewing parties and supporting ‘Les Rouges.’
So, you live in Old Ottawa South or anywhere in Ottawa and want to participate somehow?
Start by picking a team or many teams to support. The beauty of the World Cup is that most likely your nation is there. Whether you were born there, or your parents were born there, or you just like the colours of the flag. It does not matter why you support who you support, just get on the bandwagon and enjoy the ride.
My son will be supporting Canada first and then Tunisia second. He likes the flag. That’s as good a reason as any. Pick your teams and let the games begin.
In Old Ottawa South and surrounding areas like the Glebe, there are plenty of places to watch the action. Glebe Central Pub on Bank in The Glebe is a solid choice and they’ve been supporting soccer in this city for years. I’ve been to dozens of viewing parties there and I’m sure they will be packed for Canada matches. In Old Ottawa South, I’m sure Patty’s, Midway and really anyone with TVs inside their premises would be showing non-stop footy after the World Cup kicks off. The Senate on Bank in the Glebe will most definitely be a destination.
There will also be home bases for certain nations all across the city. The last major soccer tournament (the European Championship) saw many embassies align with restos/bars for an HQ for their nations. I remember watching a Germany match at Flora Hall Brewing with members of the German consulate. It was great.
Watching at home is a great option too. This is like having multiple Super Bowl parties over the course of many weeks. Invite friends over to watch Canada, or any nation, since a decent number of matches will be played in time zones that work for us.
Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the favourites to win FIFA World Cup 2026:
Spain
This is a golden generation of Spanish soccer. Players like Rodri and Pedri and 18-year-old Lamine Yamal. Spain are also the current European Champions. They beat England in a thrilling Euro final in 2024, when I was fortunate to help run a viewing party for 1,000 animated fans on the field at TD Place.
France
Surely you’ve seen a few Kylian Mbappé jerseys in the Hopewell schoolyard? Mbappé leads a very strong French squad who finished runners-up in Qatar 2022.
Argentina
The winners of FIFA World Cup 2022, you can never count out ‘La Albiceleste’ with the greatest to ever lace them up, Lionel Messi.
England
Packed full of talent, the England roster looks like an all-star team on paper. Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and depth at every position. You may hear the saying “It’s coming home” when fans speak on England which is a nod to an old anthem and football ‘returning home’ to the birthplace of the modern game.
Brazil
This is a major tournament and you can never count out the Brazilians. A superstar player like Vinicius Jr. and a superstar manager like Carlo Ancelotti just might be the recipe for success.
Canada
The sentimental favourite. Of course we’ll be draped in red and white supporting Canada. The conditions for success are set: home field advantage and a favourable pot. Canada could win their group. If they do, then they can play another home match in Vancouver and the chances of avoiding some of the favourites are high. There is always an underdog that advances and there is no reason to think this cannot be Canada.
Bottom line, enjoy the footy and may the best team win!
Jon Sinden is a sports consultant who has worked with some of the biggest sporting groups in Canada: Toronto Raptors, Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto FC, Ottawa Redblacks, Atletico Ottawa, Ottawa Titans, Ottawa 67’s and Rugby Canada. He lives in OOS.
Featured in the June 2026 OSCAR.