As Canada’s team advances to the Round of 16 in the FIFA World Cup 2026, at least one Ottawa businessman is anticipating a big crowd to watch the game at his ByWard Market bar.
This week, the federal government announced it would host a free watch party for Saturday’s Canada vs. Morocco match at the Ottawa Bluesfest site at LeBreton Flats, in partnership with the City of Ottawa.
“The free watch party will bring fans together to experience the excitement of the match, celebrate national pride, and support our team in a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere,” Canadian Heritage said in a news release Thursday.
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe took to social media on Thursday to announce the viewing party.
“I have been speaking with Prime Minister Carney about bringing everyone in Ottawa together to watch the game. And we have the perfect location. Since their site is ready to go, the team at Bluesfest has agreed to host, and so I’m excited to share that there WILL be a watch party on Saturday, July 4th at 1:00 pm at Lebreton Flats,” Sutcliffe said.
But LeBreton Flats won’t be the only place Canadians will gather to cheer on the men’s national team.
“When Canada takes the pitch on Saturday, Canadians from coast to coast to coast will gather in restaurants, bars, fan zones, community spaces and living rooms to cheer on Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team,” Canadian Heritage said in the release.
One such restaurant and bar is Lowertown Brewery on York Street.
Alex Sirois, managing partner of Ottawa Venues, which operates Lowertown Brewery, Sky Lounge and Barrio in the ByWard Market, said he’s expecting a large turnout for Saturday’s match.
“We’ve been getting (reservations) ever since Canada won the game (against South Africa on June 28). Remarkably, we’ve actually been kind of a hot spot for the Moroccan fans too, so we’re going to use both floors (of Lowertown Brewery). We’re going to put the Moroccan fans on the top floor and the Canadian fans on the main floor,” Sirois said, adding that he’s expecting a “good-spirited” crowd on Saturday.
In fact, turnouts at the Ottawa Venues restaurants and bars have increased since the World Cup began June 11.
“It’s been fantastic, specifically at Barrio and Lowertown since they have TVs and a lot of regulars enjoying the World Cup,” Sirois said. “We’ve seen a big increase in sales, which is great. And it’s a big increase (in attendance) when we wouldn’t necessarily have been busy. Our lunches are getting busier because fans are coming for the 1 o’clock and 3 o’clock games. Last night’s 11 p.m. game had lots of people watching it too.”
Still, Sirois added that he’s happy to see the federal and municipal governments organizing the watch party at LeBreton Flats.
“We think everybody’s excited that both teams are this far (in the tournament). It’s great that they’re putting something on (at) LeBreton. Anything to push the sport as well as push viewership and for the fans to get out and about is great.
“And with the disappointment of how bad the weather was for Canada Day, I think it’s great that Ottawa is going to get something on the weekend that’s going to bring people out,” Sirois said.
Atlético Ottawa, the city’s professional men’s soccer team, is hosting its own watch party for the Canada vs. Morocco game at TD Place, the team announced Friday.
“Bringing our community together to support the Canadian Men’s National Team is about celebrating the growth of soccer in this country,” Manuel Vega, CEO of Atlético Ottawa, said in a news release. “We want this event to create an unforgettable moment that inspires the next generation of players and deepens the connection between supporters and the Beautiful Game.
“At Atlético Ottawa, we’re proud to provide a place where supporters can share in the excitement and passion of representing Canada on the world’s biggest stage, and we’re hoping for two massive wins. The energy we build together as a community is what continues to drive the sport forward, and here in Ottawa we are creating a movement that can be felt across the country.”
If Canada wins the match on Saturday, the team advances to the quarterfinals. The Round of 16 is already the furthest the Canadian men’s national team has ever advanced in a World Cup tournament.
