Downtown Victoria FIFA watch party not showing Sunday Canada game

Downtown Victoria FIFA watch party not showing Sunday Canada game

Published 3:19 pm Friday, June 26, 2026

Nearly 1,000 soccer fans packed downtown Victoria’s Market Square on Wednesday (June 24) to watch Canada take on Switzerland in their final group-stage match of the World Cup. (Tony Trozzo/Victoria News)

The Market Square FIFA watch party will not be showing the Sunday match between Canada and South Africa, but the Downtown Victoria Business Association (DVBA) is encouraging fans to head to one of the many pubs and bars showing the game this weekend.

On Sunday, June 28, Canada will face off against South Africa in the knockout stage of the men’s World Cup after Canada placed second in the group stage. So far, the tourney has been historic for Canadian men’s soccer– scoring their first-ever point, first-ever goal, and first-ever win on the world stage.

Consistently, Market Square has been packed to the brim with fans supporting the team as part of the DVBA and the City of Victoria’s Summer of Soccer event. The space also drew large crowds from supporters of other teams as the tournament heats up.

“We wish we could show every game,” noted the DVBA website. “The ones being shown at Market Square were chosen because those days the space was available, there were staff on hand to support the viewings, and we were able to rent the screen. Right now we have every showing we could arrange, and should additional days become available, we will add them.”

Despite the temporary delay at Market Square, the DVBA is motivating fans to cheer on their team at the many participating bars across downtown Victoria.

“From cozy pubs to lively patios, businesses throughout the downtown core will be showing the match and creating memorable places to cheer on Team Canada during the Summer of Soccer,” noted a news release from the DVBA.

Local favourites like the Sticky Wicket, Irish Times, The Local, and many more will be showing the game.

“Downtown Victoria has become the place to take in all the fun, energy and soccer vibes. There is no better place to share the excitement and support great local businesses than Downtown Victoria this weekend,” noted DVBA CEO Jeff Bray in the release.

The Market Square live viewing site returns Thursday, July 2, with matches continuing through July 19.

For a full list of participating pubs and restaurants, as well as the most up-to-date live viewing site schedule, visit www.dvba.ca/summerofsoccer.