More than two hundred soccer fans gathered at at Pat Bayly Square in Ajax to make some noise for Canada last week, as they defeated Qatar 6-0 and recorded their first every World Cup win.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup underway, people are gathering at watch parties, bars and restaurants in large numbers across Durham Region.
In Ajax, the town has hosted a series of outdoor public screenings for Canada’s FIFA matches, including the upcoming June 24 game against Switzerland. Whitby has also hosted public watch parties.
Ajax business engagement advisor Meina Lutfi said the June 18 screening at Pat Bayly Square drew in about 250 people. She said the town is trying to represent hometown pride.
“We have Derek Cornelius playing on Team Canada,” Lufti said. “He’s a local Ajax resident. He also played in the Ajax Soccer Club, so we really want to create an atmosphere where the community can come together, celebrate the World Cup as well as celebrate what Ajax has to offer.”
The watch parties took several months to set up and execute. It required coordinating services, community partners and local food vendors.
She said the town keeps events low or no cost for residents by using sponsors while most other materials were supplied by town staff.
Lutfi said the screen, which measures roughly six by three metres (20 by 10 feet), was the most significant cost at a “couple thousand” dollars.
Residents said the community atmosphere was a major draw. Min Singh, who has lived in Canada for 10 years, said watching the game with the community adds to the experience.
She said, “It is our team, so of course we have all our support to Canada and we are already winning so I hope that continues.”
Kumar Satyakam said the tournament is likely to boost soccer’s popularity among young people, especially with Canada serving as a host nation.
He hopes seeing Canada compete will motivate more youth to get involved with soccer.
“The young population, obviously, they will be motivated to get into the game and with the increased support of the government, I think it’s very much possible that we will continue to do better in the future,” he said.
Other residents were there for the excitement.
Jeff Bannan said he and wife wanted to be in “a big crowd and, you know, get the World Cup experience, and Vancouver’s too far.”
Bannan said he has followed past tournaments but usually supported England or Scotland.
“It’s cool to actually be able to cheer for your own country in the World Cup,” he said.
While local enthusiasm is strong, national analysis shows the financial outlook is more cautious.
According to a report from the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO), total government support for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including security, event operations and infrastructure tied to the tournament, is just over $1-billion, of which the federal government is contributing just under half.
The PBO said while these investments help ensure Canada meets FIFA’s hosting requirements, the long‑term economic benefits remain uncertain, with costs likely outweighing direct financial returns.
There are currently no official FIFA community events, fan zones or outdoor match viewings scheduled to take place in Durham beyond Wednesday when Canada takes on Switzerland.