Frequently asked questions: Soccer-themed activities for Canada Day 2026
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- Why is Celebrate Canada offering funding for soccer-themed activities in 2026?
- Who can apply for funding for soccer-themed activities?
- Can I apply for only the soccer-themed activity funding?
- Is an approved Celebrate Canada project required to receive funding for soccer-themed activities?
- When should I submit my application for soccer activities?
- Do I have to wait for a decision on my Celebrate Canada project before applying for the soccer-themed activities?
- Why are soccer-themed activities only available on Canada Day?
- Why can’t I receive funding for soccer-themed activities on National Indigenous Peoples Day, Saint-Jean Baptiste Day or Canadian Multiculturalism Day?
- Do the soccer-themed activities have to take place on the same day as my Celebrate Canada/ Canada Day project?
- What is the maximum amount of funding available for soccer-themed activities?
- Is this funding provided in addition to Celebrate Canada funding?
- What would be considered an eligible activity?
- What are some examples of soccer-themed activities?
- What would be an ineligible activity?
- What are examples of eligible expenses?
- What are examples of ineligible soccer-themed expenses?
- Can I apply for funding to host a viewing party of the FIFA World Cup 26™ matches?
- Do the soccer activities have to take place at the same location as the Canada Day activities?
- My organization has applied for sport/ soccer-activities in the past but has always been refused. Why is the program suddenly allowing these types of activities this year?
- Can applicants request funding for multiple soccer-themed activities?
- Could funding for soccer-themed activities become recurring?
- Can I use the funding to purchase the FIFA World Cup 26™ merchandise?
- When will I receive notification that my soccer project was approved?
- When will I receive my payment for my soccer activity?
Why is Celebrate Canada offering funding for soccer-themed activities in 2026?
In 2026, Canada will be one of the host countries for the FIFA World Cup 26™, a major international event. To enable Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast to take part in the celebrations surrounding this major event, Celebrate Canada is offering funding for soccer-themed activities that align with the program’s goals of promoting Canadian identity, heritage, and community engagement.
This funding is meant to support events that will use soccer-themed activities as a special way to celebrate Canadian culture, diversity, and pride.
Who can apply for funding for soccer-themed activities?
Only organizations applying for funding for Canada Day 2026 can submit a request for additional funding to include soccer-related activities in their event.
Can I apply for only the soccer-themed activity funding?
No. You must submit an application for Canada Day funding from Celebrate Canada in order to be eligible for soccer funding.
Is an approved Celebrate Canada project required to receive funding for soccer-themed activities?
Yes, to receive funding, you must have an approved Canada Day project from the Celebrate Canada Program.
When should I submit my application for soccer activities?
Your application for soccer-themed activities should be submitted before November 21, 2025.
Do I have to wait for a decision on my Celebrate Canada project before applying for the soccer-themed activities?
No, in order for the program to deliver timely decisions, the applications must be submitted at the same time. Only approved projects for Canada Day will be considered for this special initiative.
Why are soccer-themed activities only available on Canada Day?
Canada Day was chosen because of its strong popularity, with celebrations held annually in over 1,000 communities across the country. These activities will allow many Canadians to express their pride in hosting an international tournament and to showcase Canadian identity on the world stage. Moreover, holding this event on a single day will help maximize the impact of the celebrations, which will take place simultaneously across the country.
Why can’t I receive funding for soccer-themed activities on National Indigenous Peoples Day, Saint-Jean Baptiste Day or Canadian Multiculturalism Day?
National Indigenous Peoples Day, Saint-Jean Baptiste Day, and Canadian Multiculturalism Day are important celebrations. It was essential to preserve the integrity of these days to ensure that attention is not diverted from their deeper meaning — to celebrate the culture and traditions of Indigenous Peoples, the Francophonie, and the country’s ethnocultural diversity.
Do the soccer-themed activities have to take place on the same day as my Celebrate Canada/ Canada Day project?
Yes, soccer-themed activities must take place on the same day as your Celebrate Canada/ Canada Day project, July 1, 2026.
What is the maximum amount of funding available for soccer-themed activities?
Funding amounts will vary depending on the nature, scope, and anticipated impact of proposed activities, up to a maximum of $5,000. Please note that available funding is limited and not all eligible applications may be funded. Final funding decisions will be made based on program priorities and available resources.
Is this funding provided in addition to Celebrate Canada funding?
Successful applicants will receive extra funding, in addition to their regular Canada Day funding, for adding soccer-related activities to their celebrations.
What would be considered an eligible activity?
To be eligible for funding for soccer-themed activities your project must:
- be part of a Canada Day project from Celebrate Canada
- be organized in Canada on July 1, 2026
- be free of charge (no admission fees or donation required for entry)
- be open to the general public and promoted as such
- celebrate Canadian diversity, heritage, or identity
What are some examples of soccer-themed activities?
The focus should be on the cultural, artistic, or community-building aspects of soccer. For example, storytelling events, performances, or visual arts projects inspired by soccer’s role in Canadian communities are more likely to align with the program’s objectives. Other activity examples include:
- parades
- friendly soccer matches
- soccer-themed decorations and crafts
- geography and culture games
- soccer skills demonstrations
- soccer inspired artistic and cultural activities
What would be an ineligible activity?
Examples of ineligible activities would include:
- activities not taking place on Canada Day. Ex. An activity taking place on June 30.
- activities that are not open to the general public. Ex. An activity at a bar, or on private property
- competitive soccer-matches, tournaments or leagues
- 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
What are examples of eligible expenses?
- professional fees
- honoraria or fees for artists, performers, cultural carriers, and facilitators
- technical staff (e.g., sound, lighting, stage management)
- production costs
- equipment rentals (e.g., sound systems, staging, tents)
- supplies and materials directly related to the event (e.g., decorations, signage)
- advertising and promotional materials (e.g., posters, flyers, social media ads)
- translation and interpretation services to ensure accessibility
- venue rental fees
- permits and insurance required for public events
- services or equipment to ensure the event is accessible to people with disabilities (e.g., ASL interpreters, ramps)
- refreshments or small tokens of appreciation for volunteers
- cultural activities (storytelling, crafts, or performances)
What are examples of ineligible soccer-themed expenses?
- costs related to BBQ, general food and beverages, and liquor permits
- food for planning team and volunteers
- facility rental costs when the organization owns the property or building
- costs related to major infrastructure
- equipment purchase
- lobbying and advocacy activities
- activities or services that take place outside Canada
- prizes such as those associated with contests or competitions
Can I apply for funding to host a viewing party of the FIFA World Cup 26™ matches?
Yes, you can use funding to host a public viewing of the FIFA World Cup 26TM matches, as long as you follow FIFA’s requirements, which may include obtaining a FIFA License through FIFA’s official platform. This process involves several obligations and restrictions, which are managed by FIFA and not by the Department of Canadian Heritage. Please consult the FIFA website for more information.
Do the soccer activities have to take place at the same location as the Canada Day activities?
No. Soccer activities can take place at different locations as long as they are held on July 1st 2026, Canada Day.
My organization has applied for sport/ soccer-activities in the past but has always been refused. Why is the program suddenly allowing these types of activities this year?
Celebrate Canada is making a one-time exception in 2026 as Canada is co-hosting the FIFA World Cup 26™. The program does not normally provide funding for sporting activities. The goal is to extend the celebrations in the host Cities of Toronto and Vancouver to other parts of Canada, ensuring more communities can come together and take part in festivities through an additional point of access.
Can applicants request funding for multiple soccer-themed activities?
Yes, as long as each activity is eligible. The total amount cannot exceed $5,000 per applicant. Each activity must be clearly described.
Could funding for soccer-themed activities become recurring?
No, funding for soccer-themed activities is only eligible for the 2026 edition.
Can I use the funding to purchase the FIFA World Cup 26™ merchandise?
No, Celebrate Canada funding cannot be used to purchase the FIFA World Cup 26™ merchandise.
This includes:
- branded clothing, accessories, or souvenirs (e.g., jerseys, hats, flags, including Canada Soccer merchandise).
- any items intended for resale or promotional giveaways tied to commercial branding.
When will I receive notification that my soccer project was approved?
You can expect to receive notification regarding the approval of your soccer-themed project in April 2026.
When will I receive my payment for my soccer activity?
You can typically expect to receive your payment within four weeks of receiving official notification that your funding has been approved.