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?
- Can I still apply for a Celebrate Canada project?
- 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 you making funding for soccer-themed activities available for all four Celebrate Canada days?
- I have already applied for a soccer-themed activity. Do I need to reapply?
- Do the soccer-themed activities have to take place on the same day as my Celebrate Canada project?
- I applied to have my soccer-themed event on Canada Day but now I want to hold my activities on National Indigenous Peoples Day/ Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day/ Canadian Multiculturalism Day, do I need to reapply?
- Do the soccer activities have to take place at the same location as the Celebrate Canada activities?
- What is the maximum amount of funding available for soccer-themed activities?
- Is this funding provided in addition to Celebrate Canada funding?
- Can applicants request funding for more than one soccer-themed project?
- 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?
- Could funding for soccer-themed activities become recurring?
- When will I receive notification that my soccer project was approved?
- When will I receive my payment for my soccer activity?
- What are some examples of soccer-themed activities?
- What would be considered an eligible activity?
- What are examples of eligible expenses?
- What would be an ineligible activity?
- 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?
- Can I use the funding to purchase the FIFA World Cup 26™ merchandise?
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 will enhance the already planned Celebrate Canada celebrations with a soccer component, which will highlight Canadian culture, diversity and pride in a special way.
Who can apply for funding for soccer-themed activities?
Only organizations who applied for funding for Celebrate Canada 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 have submitted an application for National Indigenous Peoples Day, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, Canadian Multiculturalism Day, or 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 National Indigenous Peoples Day, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, Canadian Multiculturalism Day, or Canada Day project from the Celebrate Canada Program.
Can I still apply for a Celebrate Canada project?
No, the application period for Celebrate Canada ended on November 21, 2025.
We are now welcoming applications for soccer-themed activities only until February 27, 2026.
When should I submit my application for soccer activities?
Your application must be submitted before 4:00 p.m (ET) on February 27, 2026.
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, Soccer applications must be submitted before the deadline of February 27, 2026, at 4:00 p.m (ET).
Only approved Celebrate Canada projects will be considered for this special initiative.
Why are you making funding for soccer-themed activities available for all four Celebrate Canada days?
Expanding soccer-themed funding to all four Celebrate Canada days will allow the program to reach more Canadians across the country. Engaging different regions, audiences, and cultural communities is key to creating a stronger and more inclusive platform to celebrate Canada’s role as a host nation for the FIFA World Cup.
I have already applied for a soccer-themed activity. Do I need to reapply?
No, if you’ve already applied for a soccer-themed activity, you don’t have to reapply.
Do the soccer-themed activities have to take place on the same day as my Celebrate Canada project?
Yes, to be eligible, your soccer-themed activities must take place on the same day as your Celebrate Canada project.
I applied to have my soccer-themed event on Canada Day but now I want to hold my activities on National Indigenous Peoples Day/ Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day/ Canadian Multiculturalism Day, do I need to reapply?
Yes, if you wish to change your soccer-themed activities to any of the other Celebrate Canada days, you will need to submit a new application.
Your original application would no longer be considered, as the new application will replace the previous one.
Do the soccer activities have to take place at the same location as the Celebrate Canada activities?
No. The soccer-themed activities may take place at a different location than your Celebrate Canada event, as long as they are held in conjunction with — and on the same day as — your Celebrate Canada project.
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 Celebrate Canada funding, for adding soccer-related activities to their celebrations.
Can applicants request funding for more than one soccer-themed project?
No, only one soccer-related project is accepted per client.
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.
Could funding for soccer-themed activities become recurring?
No, funding for soccer-themed activities is only eligible for the 2026 edition.
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.
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 considered an eligible activity?
To be eligible for funding, your soccer-themed activities must take place in conjunction with – and on the same day as – your Celebrate Canada project. They must also meet the following criteria:
- be part of a Celebrate Canada project
- be organized in Canada between June 21 and 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 examples of eligible expenses?
Examples of eligible expenses would include:
- 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 would be an ineligible activity?
Examples of ineligible activities would include:
- 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 general 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, roundtables, 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 ineligible soccer-themed expenses?
Examples of ineligible soccer-themed expenses would include:
- costs related to BBQ, general food, 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 26™ 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.
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