COLUMBUS CENTRE
SOCCER FEST
The Columbus Centre transforms into Toronto’s home for soccer excitement and multicultural celebration as we welcome the summer’s global soccer event.
From June 11 to July 19, join fans from every corner of the city for live match screenings, musical entertainment, soccer-themed visual arts, special events, and more.
Celebrate the beautiful game through music, art, film, and community — all in one of Toronto’s most vibrant cultural hubs, and all FREE to attend.
Enjoy FREE parking on weekends, and after 2:30pm Monday–Friday.
Watch, play, celebrate – all summer long at the Columbus Centre!
Columbus Centre Soccer Fest is funded in part by the City of Toronto through the Community Celebration Support Fund.
TLN Media Group is the Exclusive In-Kind TV Partner for Columbus Centre Soccer Fest.
Live Match Screenings
- June 12 – July 19
Gather with fans in a vibrant atmosphere featuring a massive outdoor screen set against the backdrop of the beautiful Anthony Fusco Sr. Courtyard. Come with your friends and family and experience all the global soccer action together with the community throughout the tournament.
Games will be broadcast rain or shine, unless cancelled due to severe weather.
Select matches will feature musical entertainment one-hour before the match, during intermission and post-match, as well as a beer garden and refreshments available for purchase. Limited seating.
Price:
FREE
Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Location:
Anthony Fusco Sr. Courtyard,
Columbus Centre
| DATE | TIME | TEAMS |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, June 11 | 3:00pm | Mexico vs South Africa |
| Friday, June 12 | 3:00pm* | Canada vs Bosnia-Herzegovina |
| 9:00pm | USA vs Paraguay | |
| Saturday, June 13 | 3:00pm | Qatar vs Switzerland |
| 6:00pm | Brazil vs Morocco | |
| 9:00pm | Haiti vs Scotland | |
| Sunday, June 14 | 1:00pm | Germany vs Curacao |
| 4:00pm | Netherlands vs Japan | |
| 7:00pm | Cote d’Ivoire vs Ecuador | |
| Monday, June 15 | 12:00pm | Spain vs Cabo Verde |
| 3:00pm | Belgium vs Egypt | |
| 6:00pm | Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay | |
| 9:00pm | Iran vs New Zealand | |
| Tuesday, June 16 | 3:00pm | France vs Senegal |
| 6:00pm | Iraq vs Norway | |
| 9:00pm | Argentina vs Algeria | |
| Wednesday, June 17 | 1:00pm | Portugal vs Congo DR |
| 4:00pm | England vs Croatia | |
| 7:00pm | Ghana vs Panama | |
| Thursday, June 18 | 12:00pm | Czechia vs South Africa |
| 3:00pm | Switzerland vs Bosnia-Herzegovina | |
| 6:00pm* | Canada vs Qatar | |
| 9:00pm | Mexico vs Korea Republic | |
| Friday, June 19 | 3:00pm | USA vs Australia |
| 6:00pm | Scotland vs Morocco | |
| 8:30pm | Brazil vs Haiti | |
| Saturday, June 20 | 1:00pm | Netherlands vs Sweden |
| 4:00pm | Germany vs Cote d’Ivoire | |
| 8:00pm | Ecuador vs Curacao | |
| Sunday, June 21 | 12:00pm | Spain vs Saudi Arabia |
| 3:00pm | Belgium vs Iran | |
| 6:00pm | Uruguay vs Cabo Verde | |
| 9:00pm | New Zealand vs Egypt | |
| Monday, June 22 | 1:00pm | Argentina vs Austria |
| 5:00pm | France vs Iraq | |
| 8:00pm | Norway vs Senegal | |
| Tuesday, June 23 | 1:00pm | Portugal vs Uzbekistan |
| 4:00pm | England vs Ghana | |
| 7:00pm | Panama vs Croatia | |
| Wednesday, June 24 | 3:00pm* | Switzerland vs Canada |
| 6:00pm | Scotland vs Brazil | |
| 9:00pm | Czechia vs Mexico | |
| Thursday, June 25 | 4:00pm | Ecuador vs Germany |
| 7:00pm | Tunisia vs Netherlands | |
| Friday, June 26 | 3:00pm | Norway vs France |
| 8:00pm | Uruguay vs Spain | |
| Saturday, June 27 | 5:00pm | Panama vs England |
| 7:30pm | Colombia vs Portugal | |
| *With musical entertainment one-hour before the match, during intermission and post-match. Beer garden and refreshments available for purchase. Limited seating. | ||
| DATE | TIME | TEAMS |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday, June 28 | 3:00pm* | … vs … |
| Monday, June 29 | 1:00pm | … vs … |
| 4:30pm | … vs … | |
| 9:00pm | … vs … | |
| Tuesday, June 30 | 1:00pm | … vs … |
| 5:00pm | … vs … | |
| 9:00pm | … vs … | |
| Wednesday, July 1 | 12:00pm | … vs … |
| 4:00pm | … vs … | |
| 8:00pm* | … vs … | |
| Thursday, July 2 | 3:00pm | … vs … |
| 7:00pm | … vs … | |
| Friday, July 3 | 2:00pm | … vs … |
| 6:00pm | … vs … | |
| 9:30pm | … vs … | |
| *With musical entertainment one-hour before the match, during intermission and post-match. Beer garden and refreshments available for purchase. Limited seating. | ||
| DATE | TIME | TEAMS |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, July 4 | 1:00pm | … vs … |
| 5:00pm | … vs … | |
| Sunday, July 5 | 4:00pm | … vs … |
| 8:00pm | … vs … | |
| Monday, July 6 | 3:00pm | … vs … |
| 8:00pm | … vs … | |
| Tuesday, July 7 | 12:00pm | … vs … |
| 4:00pm | … vs … |
| DATE | TIME | TEAMS |
|---|---|---|
| Quarter-Finals | ||
| Thursday, July 9 | 4:00pm | … vs … |
| Friday, July 10 | 3:00pm | … vs … |
| Saturday, July 11 | 5:00pm* | … vs … |
| 9:00pm | … vs … | |
| Semi-Finals | ||
| Tuesday, July 14 | 3:00pm* | … vs … |
| Wednesday, July 15 | 3:00pm* | … vs … |
| 3rd Place Match | ||
| Saturday, July 18 | 5:00pm | … vs … |
| FINAL | ||
| Sunday, July 19 | 3:00pm* | … vs … |
| *With musical entertainment one-hour before the match, during intermission and post-match. Beer garden and refreshments available for purchase. Limited seating. | ||
Download Full Match Screening Schedule
Musical Entertainment
June 11 – July 19
Feel the festival energy with live music and DJ programming featured on select match days throughout the tournament. Performances before, during and after matches create a vibrant soundtrack that brings fans together and amplifies the celebration beyond the pitch.
Beer garden for ages 19+ and refreshments available for purchase.
The DNAS
- Friday, June 12, 2:00pm
(Pre-Match: Canada vs Bosnia & Herzegovina)
The DNAS is an electrifying young rock-pop band comprised of five musicians aged 14 to 17. With raw talent, powerful stage presence, and unstoppable energy, they are quickly making a name for themselves as one of the most exciting young bands on the scene today.
Blending the grit of classic rock with the fresh edge of modern pop, The DNAS delivers a bold sound that is both dynamic and unforgettable. Their performances are packed with passion, energy, and musical chemistry that instantly connects with audiences.Whether rocking out on stage with crowd favourites or showcasing their own unique style, The DNAS don’t just perform — they own the stage.
DJ Julien
- Thursday, June 18, 4:00pm
(Pre-Match: Canada vs Qatar) - Wednesday, July 15, 2:00pm
(Pre-Match: Semi-final Match #2 – Teams TBD)
For over two decades, DJ Julien has been setting the soundtrack and mixing music for restaurants and lounges, festivals and clubs, brand events and private celebrations including weddings. Starting out in the early in Toronto 2000’s with residencies at MadBar, Fluid and The Government, he has been invited to play events and venues from the Americas to Europe. Whether anchoring an intimate dinner, setting the right vibe, or igniting a dance floor, he meets the moment with versatility and taste.
DJ Pulsar
- Wednesday, June 24, 2:00pm
(Pre-Match: Canada vs Switzerland) - Wednesday, July 1, 5:00pm
(Pre-Match: Qualifier Match – Teams TBD) - Saturday, July 11, 4:00 pm
(Pre-Match: Quarter-final Match – Teams TBD) - Tuesday, July 14, 2:00pm
(Pre-Match: Semi-final Match #1 – Teams TBD)
DJ Pulsar (Enrico) is an Italian-born DJ and producer whose career began in the heart of Italy’s vibrant club scene. Starting as a teenager in Italy, Enrico quickly rose through the ranks, performing at renowned venues across Italy before bringing his signature sound to Canada almost a decade ago. Since moving to the GTA, he has established himself as a musical talent and a cornerstone for the Italian community’s most prestigious events. His style is a sophisticated blend of genres, seamlessly fusing timeless classics with high-energy modern rhythms to create a unique, cross-generational appeal.
More than just a DJ, Enrico is a prolific producer. His sets are characterized by exclusive tracks and custom remixes—original productions that ensure every performance is a one-of-a-kind experience. For the upcoming soccer match screenings at Villa Charities, DJ Pulsar will be bringing this authentic Italian European energy to the courtyard, delivering a soundtrack that is as exclusive as it is electrifying.
Open Mic Canada – March Break Idol Performers
- Sunday, June 28, 2:00pm
(Pre-Match: Round of 32 Qualifier Match – Teams TBD)
Performers:
Jeromar Mariano (Age 29) – Winner of the 2026 Ontario Championship by Open Mic Canada, including Overall Champion (April 18, 2026).
Raha Amirirad – Top 5 finalist at the Ontario Championship and 2nd place at Toronto Sing Idol 2026, known for her emotional performances, including a standout Doris Day classic.
Emiliano (Age 10) – First-place winner of March Break Idol at the Columbus Centre in 2026, showcasing remarkable vocal talent at a young age.
Selena Villa (Age 16) – Bilingual singer-songwriter (English/Italian), 2025 Ontario Championship Youth Category winner and guest judge at March Break Idol 2026.
April Yan (Age 10) – 2nd runner-up at the 2026 Ontario Championship (April 2026).
Midlife Crisis – Band
- Sunday, July 19, 2:00pm
(Pre-Match: Final – Teams TBD)
Bio:
Midlife Crisis is a spirited cover band made up of five musicians who share a passion for great music and good times. Featuring Leo Mullins on bass, Mario DeFacendis on keys and vocals, Dario Battista on drums, Joe Canale on guitar, and Joseph Arcuri on guitar and vocals, the band brings a lively mix of classic favourites and crowd-pleasing hits to every performance. Formed as a hobby and driven by friendship and a love of playing together, Midlife Crisis delivers energetic, feel-good shows that celebrate the music they grew up with – proving that it’s never too late to turn it up and have some fun.
Price:
FREE
Location:
Anthony Fusco Sr. Courtyard,
Columbus Centre
“July 11, 1982: A Historic Day”
Vince Pietropaolo
- June 11 – July 19
On July 11, 1982, with a breath-taking goal only minutes of the end of the game, Italy’s national team, Azzurri, scored their third World Cup victory since 1930. The impact on Toronto, especially to its Italian community, was transformational. On that day, Italian-Canadians rocked Toronto, and made the city their own.
Over 200,000 people gathered in Little Italy on St. Clair Ave. West, in what became an impromptu parade, a passeggiata (leisurely stroll) that transformed the wide avenue into a three-kilometre long piazza. Toronto had not seen a massive street party like that before, and it changed the city and the Italian-Canadians forever.
Vincenzo Pietropaolo was there with his camera, and captured the moment with an extraordinary set of photographs, some exhibited here for the first time.
Vincenzo Pietropaolo is a photographer, writer, and independent researcher who has published over a dozen books, and many essays and articles. As an award-winning photographer, Pietropaolo has been deemed “one of Canada’s pre-eminent documentary photographers” by “Canadian Geographic” magazine. He often combines his photographs with his own original writing, and his works are admired for their humanitarian qualities and profound social commitment. Born in Italy, he grew up in Toronto, where early in his career he documented his working-class community, published as “Not Paved With Gold: Italian-Canadian Immigrants in the 1970s”. His work has been exhibited internationally, and forms part of numerous collections, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and the Image Centre at MT University. The Canadian Museum for Human Rights has honoured him with a permanent exhibition. In 2025, he was appointed to the Order of Canada.
Price:
FREE
Location:
Lower Gallery, Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery,
Columbus Centre
“I Bleed Blue”
Vince Mancuso
- June 11 – July 19
Vince Mancuso’s exhibition of soccer paintings offers a vivid and nostalgic tribute to the history of Italy’s national soccer team throughout the years, capturing some of the most unforgettable moments that shaped Italy’s football legacy across generations. Each artwork reflects not only the excitement of the sport, but also the pride, passion, and cultural identity associated with the Azzurri.
Price:
FREE
Location:
Lobby,
Columbus Centre
“Italy ’82 – From Victory to Identity”
Documentary & Panel Discussion
- Sunday, June 28, 6:00 – 9:30pm
Join us for a special evening celebrating one of the most iconic moments in sports history. “Italy ’82: From Victory to Identity” features an engaging conversation with Antonio Cabrini, legendary member of Italy’s 1982 World Cup–winning team, and film producer Francesco Rossano. Together, they will reflect on the triumph that united a nation and the enduring legacy of that historic victory. Moderated by Alf DeBlasis, the discussion will be followed by a screening of the acclaimed documentary.
“Il Viaggio Degli Eroi” captures the soul of a nation during its most defining sporting moment. Narrated by the unmistakable Marco Giallini, the film invites viewers back to 1982, when Italy’s National Team defied the odds to claim the World Cup in Spain. Director Manlio Castagna masterfully weaves together rare archival footage and deeply personal reflections from legends like Gianluca Vialli and Dino Zoff. It is a story of an underdog squad that mirrored a country in transition, finding unity, resilience, and a renewed sense of pride through the beautiful game.
More than a sports celebration, the initiative reflects on the profound impact that Italy’s victory had on Italian communities abroad, particularly in Toronto, where the celebrations of 1982 became a defining moment of identity, pride, and belonging for generations of Italian Canadians.
Following the screening, guests are invited to stay and enjoy complimentary pizza and wine.
Location: Anthony Fusco Sr. Courtyard
2:00pm – Musical Entertainment: Open Mic Canada – March Break Idol performers
3:00 pm – Live Match Screening: Round of 32 Qualifier Match – Teams TBD
Facepainting (to 7:00pm)
5:00 pm – Post game Entertainment (30 mins)
Location: Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery
6:00pm – Italy ’82: from Victory to Identity
A conversation with Antonio Cabrini (former professional soccer player, member of Italy’s 1982 World Cup–winning team) and film producer Francesco Rossano.
Location: Anthony Fusco Sr. Courtyard
7:00pm –“Il Viaggio degli Eroi” documentary screening (75 min.)
8:30pm – Complimentary pizza and wine
Antonio Cabrini is a professional football manager from Italy and a former player. He played primarily as a left back for Juventus. He was part of the Italy National Team that won the 1982 FIFA World Cup. Due to his charm and good looks, Cabrini earned the nickname Bell’Antonio, meaning “beautiful Antonio.” On the pitch, he established himself as one of the finest defenders in Italy’s history and is particularly remembered for being part of one of the most formidable defensive lineups ever, both with Italy and Juventus. Cabrini received the Best Young Player Award at the 1978 World Cup, contributing to Italy’s fourth-place finish, and he also represented Italy at Euro 1980, where they again finished in fourth place. He is among the select few players to have won every UEFA Club Championship, a feat he accomplished with Juventus. In 2021, he was honored with induction into the Italian Football Hall of Fame.
Cabrini was part of the 1982 World Cup-winning team. Cabrini had a strong performance throughout the tournament, helping to lead his country to win the title, keeping two clean sheets throughout the tournament, but also scoring the crucial match-winning goal in Italy’s 2–1 second round win over defending champions Argentina.
Alf DeBlasis has been a media industry professional for over 30 years with a specialization in live sports production. Most recently a Senior Producer for sports network beINSports, he also has experience in the live presentation of six FIFA World Cups for both OMNI TV & TLN Telelatino Network. In addition to contributing to other Canadian specialty sports media outlets including TSN Radio & Sportsnet, he was also the Managing Editor of Inside Soccer Magazine.
Price:
FREE
Location:
Anthony Fusco Sr. Courtyard & Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery
Columbus Centre
Presented in partnership with ICFF / Lavazza IncluCity Festival, CIBPA Toronto and ICCO Canada.
Sponsored by the Consulate General of Italy in Toronto.
CHIN Radio/TV and OMNI are the Media Partners.
With in-kind support from Caffe Cinquecento.
Canada Day Celebration
- Wednesday, July 1, 5:00 – 11:00pm
Celebrate Canada Day at the Columbus Centre with an exciting evening of soccer, music and community spirit. Join us for three Round of 32 match screenings and experience the energy of the beautiful game alongside fellow fans. Enjoy flags, sparklers and poppers, watch a live fireworks display, indulge in a celebration cake, and dance to music by DJ Pulsar.
Indoors, activities include Gettoni game tables, popcorn, refreshments and an exhibition of soccer-themed paintings and collectibles on display.
Come together for a fun, festive day where global sport meets national pride. Everyone is welcome!
Location: Anthony Fusco Sr. Courtyard
12:00pm – Round of 32 Match – Teams TBD
4:00pm – Round of 32 Match – Teams TBD
5:00pm – DJ Pulsar (to 11:00pm)
6:00pm – Facepainting and balloon crafts (to 10:00pm)
7:00pm – Canada Day Celebrations begin
- Flags, sparklers, poppers, cake for guests
- Beer garden opens (Ages 19+)
8:00pm – Round of 32 Match – Teams TBD
9:30pm – Fireworks display
11:00pm – Event ends
Location: Columbus Centre Lobby
5:00pm to 11:00pm
- Gettoni tables open for play
- Free popcorn and refreshments
- Soccer collectibles display
Price:
FREE
Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Location:
Anthony Fusco Sr. Courtyard, Columbus Centre Lobby
Columbus Centre
This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada.
With support from TLN Media Group.
For more information, please contact:
Mirella Tersigni
Cultural Manager, Cultural Programming
Email: MTersigni@villacharities.com