Special Initiative: Soccer-themed activities for Canada Day 2026
From: Canadian Heritage
In 2026, Canada will co-host the FIFA World Cup 26™ with the United States and Mexico. To enable Canadians to join in the celebrations surrounding this important event, Celebrate Canada will provide up to $5,000 in funding for its beneficiaries to add soccer-related activities to their Celebrate Canada event.
Who can apply
This temporary opportunity is available to organizations applying for funding for Celebrate Canada activities in 2026, provided they are eligible according to the Celebrate Canada Guidelines. PLEASE NOTE: A separate application form is required for soccer-themed activities.
Eligible activities
Eligible soccer-related activities must take place between June 21 and July 1, 2026 and be part of either National Indigenous Peoples Day, Saint-Jean Baptiste Day, Canadian Multiculturalism Day or Canada Day celebrations.
Activities may include, but are not limited to:
- parades
- friendly soccer matches
- soccer-themed decorations and crafts
- geography and culture games
- soccer skills demonstrations
- soccer-inspired artistic or cultural activities
We encourage collaboration with local soccer associations.
Examples of ineligible activities:
- activities not taking place in conjunction with – and on the same day as – your Celebrate Canada project Ex. An activity taking place on June 13, 2026
- activities that are not open to the public (ex. an activity at a bar, or on private property)
- competitive soccer-matches, tournaments or leagues that are already part of your regular schedule
- events of a primarily religious, political, or commercial nature
- activities whose primary purpose is fundraising or contests
- conferences, symposiums, round-tables, workshops and other events not intended for the general public
- activities that are (in whole or in part) an extension of regular or permanent programming
For more information, please consult the Frequently Asked Questions or contact the Client Service and Public Support team (contact information below).
Application deadline
The application intake period will take place from February 16, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. (ET), to February 27, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. (ET).
The Client Service and Public Support team is available from Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 6:30 pm (ET) to assist with technical issues or questions related to your application.
- Telephone
- 1-866-811-0055
- TTY
- 1-888-997-3123
- info@pch.gc.ca