The beautiful game: Mississauga embraces 2026 FIFA World Cup™ spirit as the countdown to the tournament continues

The one-year kick-off to the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ is here – the first to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico – and the anticipation is growing not only in official host cities but across the Greater Toronto Area. In Mississauga, a city with a long-standing passion for the sport, the countdown is more than a global milestone, it’s a local celebration of cultural pride and community spirit.

A City united by the game

Whether you call it soccer or football, one thing’s clear: Mississauga loves the game. Though Mississauga is not an official host city, its role in the World Cup journey is significant.  Toronto Pearson International Airport, located in Mississauga, serves as the gateway for international sports teams and fans from around the world as they take their first steps on Canadian soil. As a hub for fans and a strong advocate for grassroots sports talent development, the City is preparing to make the most of this global movement.

Celebration Square: A hub for fans

Celebration Square has become the heart of Mississauga’s soccer celebrations. The City has a strong tradition of hosting public viewing events for major international tournaments, transforming the square into a vibrant space filled with fans, flags, and cheering. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ on the horizon, City officials are ready to rally behind Team Canada as they go for glory on home soil!

World-class facilities

While everyone looks forward to enjoying the World Cup, now is an exciting time to explore the many soccer facilities around the city to play, practice, learn the rules or cheer on players. Mississauga’s investment in sports infrastructure, like soccer, is evident in its network of high-quality fields and facilities. The City has 12 outdoor artificial turf soccer fields available across Mississauga which include Iceland, Mattamy Sports Park and Paramount Fine Foods Centre (PFFC) Sportsplex.

Highlights include:

• Paramount Fine Foods Centre (PFFC) Sportsplex – This facility is 200,000 sq. ft., and features a full sized 11v11 indoor, artificial turf field (a full-size FIFA field) as well as outdoor fields with a dome.
• Mattamy Sports Park – This facility has two sports fields that are artificially lit as well as a lit indoor domed field.
• Iceland Arena and Sports Park (Turf Fields) – This facility has two outdoor sports fields that are artificially lit.
• Boxed soccer pitches – Mississauga boasts a pair of outdoor boxed soccer pitches, the first in Canada, at Daniels Community Field and Mississauga Valley Community Centre.

The City’s 2024 Recreation Plan outlines further expansion of indoor and outdoor field capacity, including partnerships with school boards. The City’s Parks, Forestry and Environment plan highlights the development of more outdoor soccer fields across the city.

Soccer fields

Mississauga also has several soccer fields in parks and recreational spaces that provide a designated area for organized or casual soccer games, practices, and league play. These fields are designed to meet specific dimensions and requirements, ensuring a suitable playing surface for different age groups and skill levels.

In Mississauga, there are many soccer programs and fields that offer safe and lively places for players to learn and practise their skills. These resources not only help individuals grow but also bring communities together through a shared love of the game.

The City has several affiliated soccer clubs that offer youth programming all across the city.

• Dixie Soccer Club
• Erin Mills Soccer Club
• Futbol/Football Club Toronto
• International Soccer Club
• Malton Soccer Club
• Muslim Youth Soccer League
• North Mississauga Soccer Club
• Stella Rossa Football Club

The City also provides a wide range of soccer programs designed to engage residents of all ages and backgrounds.

11v11 youth indoor league

The City of Mississauga Youth Soccer League includes U13 to U18 rep divisions for both boys and girls. This league is open to competitive soccer teams registered through OSA sanctioned clubs.

Adult leagues (age 18+)

The Mississauga Soccer League (MSL) offers a variety of adult leagues that run year-round with seasonal sessions, regular season and playoffs. It offers adult leagues with men’s, co-ed and women’s divisions.

Looking ahead

The 2026 FIFA World Cup™ is more than a sporting event – it’s an opportunity for Mississauga to highlight its diversity, community spirit, and love for the game. Whether cheering at Celebration Square or participating in local leagues, residents are ready to make the most of this historic moment.

Tags

• Recreation and Sports