FIFA Announces Programming Details for Canada Celebrates the FIFA
World Cup 2026™ Test Event in
Victoria, British Columbia
The countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ hits Victoria on Tuesday, 31 March, as Canada Celebrates brings a high-energy, one-day test event to the grounds of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia.
Hosted by radio personality Angelina Rai, the day will feature live international match action, appearances from the Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Mascots, guest speakers and on-site football activations featuring Pacific FC, BC Soccer clubs and local First Nations.
Fans can also look forward to a special appearance by former Canada’s men’s national team player and Canada Celebrates Ambassador Tosaint Ricketts. This free, family-friendly event offers an early opportunity to experience the excitement that is set to sweep the country this June and July.
Event Details
What: Canada Celebrates the FIFA World Cup 2026 – Victoria Test Event
Where: The grounds of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
When: 11:00-19:00 on Tuesday, 31 March 2026
Cost: Free
Main Stage Programming
· 11:00 – Welcome and opening remarks by Angelina Rai, Radio Host at 107.3 Virgin Radio
· 11:15 – Territorial acknowledgment and welcome by the Esquimalt Nation and the Songhees Nation
· 11:40 – Appearances from Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Mascots (Maple, Zayu and Clutch)
· 11:45 – Winner of Wales v. Bosnia and Herzegovina v. Winner of Italy v. Northern Ireland
Live coverage of the contest that will determine whom Canada will face in their tournament opener in Toronto on 12 June
· 12:30 – Special halftime guest remarks featuring:
o Her Honour, the Honourable Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia
o The Honourable Raj Chouhan, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
o The Honourable David Eby, Premier of British Columbia
o Mr. Trevor Halford, MLA, Leader of the Official Opposition
o Mr. Will Greaves, Member of Parliament (Victoria)
o Her Worship Marianne Alto, Mayor of Victoria
· 13:45 – Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Mascot appearances (Maple, Zayu and Clutch)
· 14:00 – Winner of Slovakia v. Kosovo v. Winner of Türkiye v. Romania
Full rerun of the matchup that will determine whom Australia will meet in their
opening match in Vancouver on 13 June
· 14:45 – Halftime entertainment from DJ Boitano, Neon Steve and Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Mascot appearances (Maple, Zayu and Clutch)
· 16:15 – Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Mascot appearances (Maple, Zayu and Clutch)
· 16:30 – Canada v. Tunisia
o Live coverage of the friendly match in Toronto
· 17:15 – Halftime entertainment DJ Boitano, Neon Steve and Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Mascot appearances (Maple, Zayu and Clutch)
· 11:00 – Welcome and opening remarks by Angelina Rai, Radio Host at 107.3 Virgin Radio
· 11:15 – Territorial acknowledgment and welcome by the Esquimalt Nation and the Songhees Nation
· 11:40 – Appearances from Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Mascots (Maple, Zayu and Clutch)
· 11:45 – Winner of Wales v. Bosnia and Herzegovina v. Winner of Italy v. Northern Ireland
Live coverage of the contest that will determine whom Canada will face in their tournament opener in Toronto on 12 June
Mini Pitch Programming:
Dedicated mini pitch activities featuring Pacific FC alongside BC Soccer and local First Nations will give fans access to hands-on football experiences throughout the day.
Programming includes player-led clinics, coaching sessions and public play opportunities, with appearances from Pacific FC first team players and technical staff.
· 11:30 – Player-led activity (45 min.)
· 12:30 – Player-led activity (45 min.)
· 14:30 – Public 3v3 matches
· 15:45 – Player-led activity (45 min.)
· 16:45 – Player-led activity (45 min.)
· 17:45 – Player-led activity (45 min.)
About Canada Celebrates the FIFA World Cup 2026™
Canada Celebrates the FIFA World Cup 2026™ is a first-of-its-kind programme that will unite communities across the co-host country throughout the tournament, which runs from 11 June to 19 July 2026, in celebration of the biggest FIFA World Cup™ in history.
Delivered as a series of free-to-the-public, one-day community celebrations across the country, Canada Celebrates will bring football fans together for live match viewings, football-themed activations, cultural programming, music, food and shared moments of national pride. As the country prepares to host its first FIFA World Cup alongside Mexico and the United States, Canada Celebrates will carry the energy, pride and passion that are synonymous with the tournament beyond the Host Cities of Toronto and Vancouver as part of this historic global occasion.