For the first time, the men’s FIFA World Cup is coming to Canada, and Toronto is one of the host cities. The 2026 tournament runs from June 11 to July 19 across Canada, the United States and Mexico, with 48 teams and more matches than ever before. Toronto Stadium (better known as BMO Field) is scheduled to host six matches, including Canada’s opening match on June 12, a historic first for men’s World Cup football on Canadian soil.
Tickets are hard to come by, so for most fans the action will happen on a screen: at a bar, at a fan zone, or in a living room packed with friends. If you are hosting, here is how to plan the drinks for a summer of football.
Plan around kickoff times
Because the tournament is hosted in North America, many matches fall at convenient times for Toronto viewers, from early afternoon to late evening. That changes how you plan:
- Afternoon matches call for lighter drinks: crisp lagers, spritzes and plenty of water, especially on hot June days.
- Evening matches are more like a typical party, with heavier food and a wider drinks selection.
- Back-to-back matches can turn into an all-day event. Pace yourself and your guests, and keep food coming.
Check the official schedule on FIFA’s website and pick the matches you want to host before you start buying.
Beers from around the world
A World Cup party is the perfect excuse to stock beers from different countries. Set them out with small flags or labels and let guests pick a “team” beer.
- Canada: Molson Canadian and Laker Ice
- Mexico: Corona Extra, served with lime
- United States: Budweiser and Coors Light
- Netherlands: Heineken
- Belgium: Stella Artois
Want to go further? Our guide to the best beer brands around the world has more ideas for building an international line-up.
Match-day cocktails from the host nations
Canada: the Caesar
Canada’s national cocktail is a must for a Canada match. Rim a glass with celery salt, add ice, 1.5 oz vodka, 2 dashes Worcestershire, 2 dashes hot sauce and top with Clamato. Garnish with a celery stalk and lime. Our Toronto signature drink guide covers it in detail.
Mexico: the Paloma
Fill a tall glass with ice, add 2 oz blanco tequila such as Casamigos Blanco, 0.5 oz lime juice and top with grapefruit soda. Add a pinch of salt. Light, fizzy and perfect for afternoon kickoffs.
United States: the whiskey highball
1.5 oz Jack Daniel’s over ice, topped with cola or ginger ale and a lemon wedge.
How much to buy for a watch party
A football match lasts about two hours including half-time, so for a single match plan on three to four drinks per guest. For a double-header, double it and add more water and food.
- 10 guests, one match: about 35–40 drinks, so one and a half 24-packs plus a batch of cocktails.
- 10 guests, two matches: about 70 drinks; three 24-packs and some wine or spirits.
For other scenarios, see how to estimate alcohol for any party.
Food that goes with football
Lean into the host nations: tacos, guacamole and elote for Mexico; burgers and wings for the United States; and poutine or peameal bacon sandwiches for Canada. Toronto’s diversity means plenty of fans will bring their own traditions too, so a potluck theme where everyone brings a dish from their team’s country works brilliantly.
Host tips for a summer of football
- Keep drinks cold in the heat. Use coolers with ice water, keep them in the shade, and swap in cold stock at half-time.
- Hydrate. June afternoons get hot. Put out water and electrolyte drinks next to the beer.
- Mind the neighbours if you are watching outdoors; celebrations can get loud after a late goal.
- Plan rides home, especially after evening matches. Transit will be busy on match days around the city.
Don’t miss a goal on a beer run
Instabooze delivers beer, wine and spirits across Toronto and the GTA throughout the tournament, usually in about 30 minutes within the city. Order by phone or WhatsApp and keep your eyes on the match. Browse our beer and full menu.
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico.
How many World Cup matches are in Toronto?
Toronto is scheduled to host six matches at Toronto Stadium (BMO Field), including Canada’s opening match on June 12, 2026.
Can I get beer delivered during a match in Toronto?
Yes. Instabooze delivers across Toronto and the GTA. You must be 19 or older and show valid ID on delivery.
This is a once-in-a-generation summer for football fans in Toronto. Gather your friends, pick your team beers and enjoy every match.
