UMVA has learned that Toronto is gearing up for the World Cup, and fans are scrambling to find the perfect spot to cheer on their teams and enjoy a pint or two.
From traditional Mexican restaurants to modern-day sausage and beer halls, Toronto has a diverse range of venues that will be showing the games. Hacienda las Americas on College St. is expecting a huge turnout, especially during Mexico's games against South Africa, South Korea, and Czechia.
El Tipico Ecuatoriano on Keele St. is another hotspot, where Ecuadorian fans will gather to cheer on their team, but the restaurant's owner emphasizes that unity is the name of the game, and fans of all Latin American teams are welcome.
WVRST, a sausage and beer hall with two locations in Toronto, is also bracing for a big influx of fans, particularly from Germany, Austria, and other European countries. The restaurant's director of operations says that fans are already starting to arrive, drawn by the promise of artisan sausages and a wide selection of craft beers.
The Pint Public House near the CN Tower is another popular spot, where Germans are flocking to watch their team play. But staff emphasize that all fans are welcome, and the bar will be a lively atmosphere for fans of all teams.
Hemingway's in Yorkville is a Kiwi-run bar that has been a staple of the community for nearly 50 years. The bar's events team says that it will be showing every match of the tournament, and fans of all teams are welcome to come and cheer on their squads.
The Caledonian on College St. will be the headquarters for Toronto's Tartan Army as they cheer on Scotland. The bar will offer a comprehensive list of single malt scotches and Scottish brews, along with traditional Scottish fare like haggis and deep-fried Mars bars.
Americans will be gathering at the Madison Avenue Pub to watch Team USA take on the world. The pub's owners say that it's a popular spot for American fans, with four floors of booze and fun.
The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre will be holding three watch parties in support of the Japanese national team. The events will feature interactive games, raffle prizes, food and marketplace vendors, and a beer garden.
Cafe Diplomatico in Little Italy is a neighborhood landmark that has been a destination for soccer-mad Torontonians for over 50 years. Staff say that they're expecting a big turnout from fans of all teams, with a wide selection of pastas, pizzas, and paninis on offer.
School Restaurant in Liberty Village has declared itself the official hangout for supporters of the Netherlands and Curacao. The restaurant will offer Dutch specialties like bitterballen, and fans are encouraged to come and cheer on their team.
Layali El Sharke Coffee House is a popular spot for Egyptian fans, who typically prefer to watch their soccer at coffee houses and shisha establishments. Staff say that the Egyptian games will be on, and fans of other Middle Eastern teams are also welcome.
Brazilian's Choice on Eglinton Ave. is a five-time World Cup champion's paradise. The restaurant's owner says that it's not just about the food, but about exporting Brazilian culture, and fans can expect a big turnout and a lively atmosphere.
The Queen & Beaver Public House on Elm St. is a classic British pub that will be showing England's games. The pub's owners recommend making reservations in advance, as space will be tight.
The Mill Street Beer Hall in the Distillery District looks like the ideal place to cheer on Team Canada, with over 40 TVs airing every game. The beer hall will host soccer watch parties every day, with a massive 140″ screen and plenty of outdoor seating.
Africa Village at Downsview Park will be holding watch parties for several African teams, including Senegal, Ghana, and Cote D'Ivoire. The events will feature a vendors market, cultural showcase, and performances.
