Toronto is Canada’s largest city and one of the tournament’s key host destinations.
Image: Mwangi Gatheca / Unsplash
When the 2026 FIFA World Cup arrives, thousands of football fans will pour into North America as matches unfold across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
For many South Africans making the long-haul journey, the tournament will be about far more than what happens inside the stadiums.
Between fixtures, flights and fan celebrations, travellers will be looking for ways to experience the host cities properly, even if they only have a day or two to spare.
Toronto, Canada’s largest city and one of the tournament’s key host destinations, is likely to become one of the busiest hubs during the World Cup. It is fast-paced, multicultural and surprisingly easy to explore in a short amount of time.
Even if you only have 48 hours between matches, the city offers enough food, culture, nightlife and iconic sights to make the stopover feel like a proper holiday inside the football madness.
The first thing many visitors notice about Toronto is how international it feels.
More than half of the city’s residents were born outside Canada, which means every neighbourhood feels like stepping into a different corner of the world.
One minute you are eating handmade pasta in Little Italy and the next you are sipping bubble tea in Chinatown or grabbing Portuguese custard tarts in Little Portugal.
For South Africans who love a city with energy, Toronto delivers immediately.
No trip to the city feels complete without visiting the towering CN Tower, which dominates the skyline and remains one of Canada’s most famous landmarks.
The CN Tower remains one of Canada’s most famous landmarks.
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If you can handle the heights, the glass floor experience gives you a dizzying look straight down onto the streets below. On clear days, the views stretch across the city and all the way to Lake Ontario. Around sunset, the tower becomes even more spectacular as the city lights begin flickering on.
Just a short walk away sits the lively Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, which is worth squeezing into a packed itinerary, especially for travellers recovering from long flights or cold weather. The underwater tunnel filled with sharks and giant stingrays is surprisingly calming amid the World Cup chaos unfolding outside.
Just a short walk away sits the lively Ripley's Aquarium of Canada.
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Toronto is also a city best explored on foot. Start the morning wandering through the historic Distillery Historic District, where Victorian industrial buildings have been transformed into cafés, boutiques, galleries and restaurants.
The cobbled streets feel worlds away from the modern glass skyscrapers downtown, and there is always some kind of street performance or live music happening nearby.
Coffee culture is serious here, too. Canadians may have their famous Tim Hortons obsession, but Toronto’s independent cafés are where the city really shines.
In neighbourhoods like Queen Street West and Kensington Market, travellers can spend hours hopping between bakeries, vintage stores and coffee spots while soaking up the city’s creative side.
Explore the neighbourhoods.
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Toronto’s dining scene is one of the biggest reasons many visitors end up falling in love with the city.
Thanks to its diverse population, you can eat almost anything imaginable at a high standard.
One meal could be Caribbean jerk chicken, the next could be Korean barbecue or authentic dim sum. South Africans used to bold flavours will feel right at home.
The famous St. Lawrence Market is one of the best places to sample the city’s food culture in a short space of time.
The market has operated for more than 200 years and remains packed with local vendors selling fresh produce, cheeses, pastries and the city’s beloved peameal bacon sandwiches.
It is the kind of place where tourists and locals mix naturally, especially on busy weekends.
The famous St. Lawrence Market is one of the best places to sample the city’s food culture in a short space of time.
Image: Jeff Smith / Unsplash
If football fans want a proper night out after the matches, the Entertainment District becomes the place to be.
Sports bars overflow during major tournaments, and during the World Cup, the atmosphere will likely feel electric deep into the early hours.
Canadian fans are famously friendly, and major sporting events tend to turn downtown Toronto into one giant celebration.
But there is another side to the city, too.
One of the best ways to escape the crowds is by catching a ferry to the Toronto Islands. Just minutes from downtown, the islands offer beaches, walking trails and postcard views of the skyline.
During summer, locals head there to cycle, picnic and unwind beside the water.
For South Africans visiting during the tournament, it could be the perfect reset between emotionally exhausting football matches.
Catch a ferry to the Toronto Islands.
Image: SHAHBAZ ZAMAN / Pexels
Shoppers will also find plenty to keep themselves busy.
The massive Eaton Centre remains one of the city’s most popular retail destinations, especially for international visitors looking to escape unpredictable weather or pick up winter fashion and Canadian brands.
And while Toronto itself easily fills a 48-hour itinerary, some football fans may want to squeeze in one of Canada’s biggest bucket-list attractions.
Niagara Falls is only about 90 minutes away from the city by car or organised tour, making it possible as a quick day trip if schedules allow.
Niagra Falls are 90 minutes away from the city.
Image: Jeffrey Eisen / Pexels
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