Moncton is getting ready for a World Cup watch party that is expected to bring more people and business into the downtown core.
The event is part of Canada Celebrates the FIFA World Cup 2026, a national fan‑experience program that brings viewing areas, activities and performances to selected cities across the country.
Moncton’s celebration will take place at Downtown Place outside the Avenir Centre on Thursday from 1:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with two matches shown on a large outdoor screen, including Canada’s game against Qatar.
Economic lift for downtown businesses
Patrick Richard, executive director of Downtown Moncton Centre‑ville Inc., said the watch party will help draw families and visitors into the area before and after the games.
He said restaurants, cafes and bars are preparing for extra customers.
Richard explained that hosting the event also adds to Moncton’s growing list of major gatherings.
“It just adds to our impressive roster of events that we’ve held and that we keep hosting in the downtown and in the Moncton region,” he said.
“And so it gets our name out there, right? So this is a great opportunity to spend some time with the FIFA World Cup organizing team.”
He said that experience helps Moncton build its reputation with organizers and opens the door to future opportunities.
“It all builds our capacity of being able to be great hosts and continue to attract major events to the downtown and to the city,” Richard said.
Richard also said events like this help show downtown as a welcoming place for families.
The city says the event on Thursday will include interactive soccer‑themed zones, family‑friendly activities, local food vendors, a beer garden and live music and performances.
Matches scheduled for the big screen include Switzerland versus Bosnia and Herzegovina at 4 p.m. and Canada versus Qatar at 7 p.m.
Street closures around the Avenir Centre
The city says several streets will be closed to traffic to support the event setup and crowds.
Main Street will be closed between Weldon Street and Bonaccord Street, along with Canada Street from the back of the Avenir Centre to Main Street.
The closure runs from Wednesday at 6 a.m. until Friday at 12 p.m.
Drivers will still be able to reach the Hyatt Hotel and Carrabba’s by using Canada Street through Vaughan Harvey, according to the city.
