Durham Region soccer fans won’t have to travel far to feel the excitement of the FIFA World Cup, with a star-studded kickoff concert set to take over Toronto tonight.
Canadian rock legend Bryan Adams will headline the FIFA-backed countdown celebration at Fort York Historical Site and The Bentway, joined by an impressive lineup of international and homegrown artists. Haitian hitmaker Wyclef Jean, Canadian-Moroccan performer Nora Fatehi, and Toronto band The Beaches are all set to perform at the World Cup kickoff concert Toronto event.
The concert is part of a massive simultaneous celebration unfolding across all three host nations tonight. Fans in Los Angeles will see performances from Major Lazer, Davido, Ava Max, and BIA, while Mexico City’s concert features Los Ángeles Azules, Belinda, Elena Rose, and legendary tenor Andrea Bocelli.
The Toronto edition of the World Cup kickoff concert will also showcase Ontario roots artist AHI, Bangladeshi-American DJ Sanjoy, and French hip-hop artist Vegedream, offering a diverse musical lineup that reflects the global nature of the tournament.
All three concerts will air on FIFA’s broadcast and digital platforms, giving Durham Region residents the option to watch from home or make the short trip into Toronto for the live experience. Fort York and The Bentway are accessible via GO Transit from Durham, making it a convenient trip for fans looking to soak in the atmosphere.
The World Cup kickoff concert Toronto event marks the beginning of an historic tournament for Canadian soccer. Canada’s first-ever men’s World Cup match on home soil is scheduled for Friday when the national team takes on Bosnia and Herzegovina. The match will be a milestone moment for a program that has captured the imagination of fans across the country, including a growing soccer community right here in Durham Region.
Durham has its own deep soccer roots, with thriving local leagues and passionate supporters who have followed Canada’s journey to this moment. Local sports bars and pubs across Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, and Pickering are expected to be packed for Friday’s opener.
For those heading into Toronto tonight, gates open early and large crowds are anticipated. Public transit is strongly recommended, as road closures are expected around the Fort York area throughout the evening. The World Cup kickoff concert Toronto celebration gets underway at 7 p.m.
