Toronto FC is not yet as iconic in the city’s sports culture as the Maple Leafs (hockey), the Raptors (basketball), or the Blue Jays (baseball), but the team’s fans are no less dedicated. Add to that a 2020 Olympic gold in soccer for Canadian women, and the 2025 launches of both AFC Toronto (a professional women’s soccer club) and Canada’s first professional women’s league (the Northern Super League), and you know a passion for soccer is on the rise here.
Any Toronto soccer fan will tell you that with the city co-hosting the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, the energy will be off the charts. Picture impromptu street parties in neighborhoods like Little Italy and the Danforth, and every downtown patio beyond packed. The city’s incredible cultural diversity is reflected in its sports bars, from traditional English pubs to Italian family-owned trattorias, and many fans will gather according to their heritage. But you can also expect every nationality to mingle at some of the large-scale gatherings at Fort York National Historic Site and The Bentway that will have the city buzzing like it’s game time, all the time.
To kick off the list of the best sports bars in Toronto to watch the 2026 World Cup, Matador Network spoke to Diana Matheson, Founder and Chief Growth Officer Northern Super League, Canada’s first professional women’s soccer league. She played for Canada’s national soccer team for almost twenty years, participating in several Women’s World Cup tournaments and scoring the bronze medal-winning goal for Canada against France at the 2012 Summer Olympics. She chose for her top spot a Toronto soccer institution that locals affectionally call “the Dip.”
“Café Diplomatico is my go-to — packed patio, big screens, and everyone living for the game,” says Matheson. What started in 1968 as a simple bar in the heart of the Italian immigrant community on College Street has become the unofficial home for Italian soccer fans year-round. But things truly pop off during major games and tournaments, when those who can’t snag a seat on the small corner patio surge onto the sidewalks and streets. “I love how the whole street feels alive around The Dip, like we’re all in it together, no matter who you’re cheering for,” she says. “There’s something special about watching a match with a spritz in hand and strangers becoming friends. During the World Cup, if you’re not at BMO Stadium, College and Clinton is the next best place to be!”
Plenty of British pubs in Toronto show English soccer games, but this one was designed from the ground up as a hub for soccer fans. Located near the Eaton Centre and major downtown hotels, the two-level Queen and Beaver Public House is an unofficial hang out for Toronto fans of Brighton & Hove Albion. It has a traditional old-school pub vibe and serves comfort fare like Sunday roast, fish and chips with mushy peas, and Scotch eggs. The dark wood-paneled walls are covered in vintage photographs and memorabilia celebrating English soccer stars from United, Newcastle and Bolton. Expect any and all England World Cup games to pack this cozy place out and note they do not take any reservations during soccer matches, so get there early.
“More than a pub, it’s your soccer sanctuary” is the slogan of this British pub, an Old Town Toronto fixture since 1976. Scotland Yard is known as the hub for Tottenham Spurs supporters and is a home-away-from home for many immigrants from across the pond. Don’t be surprised if you hear a lot of English accents, but they warmly welcome soccer enthusiasts from anywhere looking for camaraderie in a casual setting. That’s not to say things don’t get rowdy—just ask the neighbors when the chants spill out into the street at closing time. The menu is typical North American pub food like nachos and wings with a few British classics like Cottage Pie (minced beef casserole) and Bangers and Mash (friend sausage with mashed potatoes).
Next to Scotiabank Arena and near Toronto’s major tourist destinations like the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium, Real Sports Bar & Grill is a behemoth of a bar. It spans more than 25,000 square feet and features 200 HD televisions including one massive 39-foot screen, one of the largest indoor screens in North America. At that size, it’s not surprising Real Sports caters to all major sports, especially hockey. But it’s also where fans (and Toronto’s then-Mayor) gathered to hear and cheer FIFA’s announcement of the city’s co-hosting of the 2026 World Cup, and where soccer faithful flock for Premier League and Champions League tournaments and World Cup and Euro matches, when the roar of a full house can start to sound like a mini stadium. (More than 125 draft taps might have something to do with that.) And with seating for upwards of 1,000 people, you’re a lot less likely to miss an important goal waiting in a line to get in.
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In the middle of tony Yorkville, with its designer shopping, art galleries and luxury hotels, is this multi-level party bar where Aussie rules rule. A sponsor of ALF Canada’s Men’s and Women’s teams and fierce promoter of international rugby and soccer games (you can tell by the many framed jerseys), Hemingway’s gets fired up during major international tournaments, when every one of its 500 patio seats are taken. That patio is one of Toronto’s favorites—open 365 days a year until 2am. Hemingway’s is a big gathering place for Kiwis, and with New Zealand back in the World Cup for the first time since 2010, it’s sure to be especially boisterous on those game days. The restaurant prides itself on its lamb burgers and Pavlova dessert, a “cloud of meringue topped with whipped cream, strawberries and kiwi fruit.” Don’t be surprised if you spot a celebrity hanging out casually—Colin Farrell is a regular when he’s in town, and the Jonas Brothers once showed up to a Jonas Brothers trivia night.
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If you’re looking to party with Brazilian soccer fans, you can’t go wrong with Amigos da Dundas, a friendly bar and restaurant in the heart of Little Portugal. The regular drinking (and singing) spot for members of Toronto supporter clubs for Bahia and Flamengo, it has all the down-to-earth vibes of the neighborhood’s more basic establishments but with a few more comforts for the casual visitor. They serve up Portuguese faves such as bitoque (fried steak), bifana (pork sandwiches) and pastel de nata (a classic custard tart), plus boast a drinks menu of imported Portuguese wines and Super Bock lager. And if you have energy after the game for some karaoke, you’re already in the right place.
For those who can’t commit to just one team, or with opposing allegiances in a friend or family group, or if you’re cheering for a team without an obviously dedicated hot spot, this large Irish pub in Liberty Village promotes an “all fans welcome” environment. During past World Cups, supporters of the Netherlands and Denmark have made it their gathering place, both inside and out on its popular split-level patio. Being a short walk from BMO Field makes this a go-to for fans of Toronto FC, either before or after home games.
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Maybe it’s because it was named for an American baseball player who admitted throwing a no hitter on LSD, or maybe because it’s situated on a strip of Little Portugal that’s been gentrified by the creative class, but The Dock Ellis has often been known as Toronto’s “hipster” sports bar. In reality, it’s a no-fuss community hangout for soccer fans where you don’t need to wear a team jersey to fit in. (Although they don’t judge if you do, especially if it’s Arsenal F.C.) The main level has pool and shuffleboard with a party vibe and downstairs is a low-key basement. Whichever you choose, expect to make new friends. Women will feel especially welcome here—Dock Ellis has hosted a pop-up where it was transformed into all-women’s sports-themed bar and other networking events for women fans and players. 