FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 HOST CITY: DESTINATION TORONTO

#WorldCup2026 #HostCitySummer #TorontoEvents #TravelwithCamillaT #CityDiaries #FIFAFanFestival

Entering the Host City Energy

Hi loves, I’m writing today as I’ve been preparing to immerse myself in the World Cup experience, especially being in a host city for the 2026 series.

I’m not sure I can necessarily call myself the most ardent football fan, but I can already feel the palpable excitement of being in a host city. Banners rising along the streets. Conversations shifting toward fixtures and flags. Jerseys displayed everywhere, representing people’s favorite teams and players. There is a quiet thrill in knowing that the world is watching.

The closest thing I probably am to a football fan is watching Georgina Rodríguez’s Soy Georgina series on Netflix, styling her chic outfits and accessories for football events, where Cristiano Ronaldo makes the occasional appearance, and playing FIFA Football on my phone with John Newman’s “Love Me Again” playing in the background by EA Sports, which feels very on brand for me.

Anyways…

Afternoon at Nathan Phillips Square

Nathan Phillips Square was already buzzing before sunset. The ice skating rink transformed into a soccer field, people playing, all draped in color.

I spent time there earlier in the week with my mom, taking in the atmosphere and admiring the setup leading up to the official events. Even without following every match, there was excitement in simply being there.

Flags boasting against glass towers. FIFA signage splayed throughout. Chants echoing between buildings that usually carry nothing louder than traffic and everyday routine.

A Day in the City

On the day of the Fan Festival, we headed into downtown Toronto early in the morning.

We caught a 10:09 AM train, not entirely sure what the day would bring as it had been fluctuating between rain and shine earlier in the day. The weather had already been unpredictable, and there were mentions of delays, but something about the energy of the day made it feel worth going anyway.

We arrived at Union Station and spent some time exploring. We stopped at the Sephora there and picked up a few of our favorite cosmetics, and on our way out, we spotted Dyson hosting a pop-up where they handed us mini hair serums, which was such a nice detail.

From there, we made our way through the city, eventually stopping at the Sheraton Centre. The hotel carried its own subtle World Cup atmosphere. Accented touches of football decor, people gathering, and a sense of shared anticipation.

We explored the connected shopping area and came across a boutique preparing for an upcoming fashion show and podcast in the fall. Being invited to be part of something like that later this year felt like one of those unexpected, full circle moments. Fashion is such a big part of what I love, so I am really looking forward to that experience.

We paused for lunch at Dual Citizen, ordering wings and fries, and took time to rest after all the walking. Around us, people sat, talked, and even played casually with soccer balls on unique illuminated seating benches. It was such a wholesome moment seeing people enjoying themselves in such an easy, laid back way.

FIFA Fan Festival

Later in the afternoon, we made our way to the FIFA Fan Festival. The weather had shifted throughout the day, but people were still heading toward the event, umbrellas in hand and hoping for the best.

Once inside, everything changed. The space immediately became saturated with energy, music, movement, and color.

We watched the Japan vs Netherlands game on the main viewing screen which ended in a draw, and immersed ourselves in all the crowd reactions before exploring several activations, including Coca-Cola, Dove, Axe, and Degree. The Coca-Cola installation was one of my favorite moments of the day. I took some of my favorite photos there, and everything from the lighting to the setup felt perfectly curated. We also got matching “Let’s Go” stamps, which made the experience feel even more immersive.

At the Dove activation, we stepped into a space centered around women’s empowerment where we got to write meaningful messages on a mirror wall. It was such a grounding and thoughtful moment, which I really loved, and one of my personal highlights of the festival in contrast to the high energy around us.

We also played a mini soccer game set up by Degree that was super fun and captured so many playful snippets of us throughout the entire experience.

What I Wore

For the Fan Festival, my mom and I both wore Argentina jerseys, styled in our own ways. I paired mine with white shorts and sneakers for a chic, sporty look, while she styled hers in a stylish, y2k coded all denim and scarf aesthetic.

Earlier in the week, I also shared my Brazil look on socials, which felt like another fun way to lean into the global spirit of the World Cup. I plan on sharing the rest of my looks together in a separate post soon for anyone looking for outfit inspiration for games, fan festivals, or watch parties.

Personalize Your World Cup Experience

For those experiencing the 2026 World Cup in person, or simply looking to gift something meaningful, name personalizable accessories always make the moment feel a bit more special. Think customizable luggage tags, passport covers, and even matching phone cases that double as both practical essentials and keepsakes from such a global moment, available in black and white.

At TWCT, you can explore the full limited edition World Cup collection until July 19 at TWCT.shop.

Flavors at the Fan Festival

Of course, we had to try the food. We found Cambodian street food and ordered grilled meat skewers and spring rolls, and it was so delicious.

It reminded us slightly of Nigerian suya, but with a sweeter flavor profile rather than a spicy one. It was my first time trying Cambodian cuisine, and I can definitely say I look forward to experiencing more of it in the near future.

Inside the FIFA Store

Tucked within the festival was the official FIFA store that we visited toward the end, which felt like its own unique world of memorabilia. From jerseys and footballs to detailed scarves, keychains, and collectibles, it was one of those spaces you naturally find yourself wandering into, just to take it all in.

They also had the cutest lineup of plush mascots representing each host nation. I especially loved the plush of Zayu, the jaguar mascot representing Mexico, easily one of the cutest things there.

It is definitely worth stepping inside for the atmosphere alone and to see the vibrant details up close.

French Montana Live

As the evening unfolded, the experience built into something even more … Unforgettable. We found ourselves right at the front of the audience during the performance, just a few meters away from the stage. The atmosphere was electric. Music carrying across the space, the crowd moving in sync, and that feeling of being fully present in a moment that felt both spontaneous and surreal.

It was one of those moments that reminds you why you say yes to days like this.

At one point, we looked up and realized we could actually see ourselves on the big screen, and later spotted ourselves on the live television broadcast. It made the moment feel even more memorable. To top it all off, French Montana took a selfie with the audience at the end of the concert, which made the experience truly special.

No one better to have experienced that with than my mom.

______

And maybe that is what makes a host city summer so memorable. It is not solely about the matches, but also about proximity to something truly historic.

The sense that your city is momentarily at the center of the world. And for a few moments, entirely united.

That is what 2026 Toronto currently feels like with the World Cup underway.

While the day unfolded beautifully, there were additional moments behind the scenes that made it more meaningful in its own way. I’ll be sharing a more detailed look at everything that happened in a separate post soon for newsletter subscribers, including what to bring, what not to forget, and insider tips for those planning to attend a Fan Festival this season.

This is just the beginning of my summer, so stay tuned across my blog and socials for more moments, styling inspiration, and city experiences.

Don’t forget to subscribe to TravelwithCamillaT.com for more curated travel experiences, lifestyle moments, and city diaries like this.

Love,


Camilla T. ⚽️🏆

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