World Cup excitement aplenty in KW as Canada plays second match

As the matches continue on the pitch in Toronto and Vancouver, the excitement over Team Canada’s tournament run burns just as strongly in Waterloo Region.

Following a packed turnout for the Kitchener Market and Cambridge Gaslight District’s watch parties for Canada’s opener vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina, crowds are expected to be just as strong on June 18. Canada’s second group-stage match will be later than its first, with the game beginning at 6 p.m. EST.

At Kitchener Market’s party hosted by the Downtown Kitchener BIA, the piazza will host another free watch party at what organizers are calling “Soccer Central.” The market’s watch party will once again have a variety of food offerings and kids’ entertainment, with the event meant to be family-friendly for all ages.

For adults, the party will feature a licensed bar on-site. The party will take place rain or shine, and some picnic tables, Muskoka chairs, and outdoor umbrellas will be available. However, the organizers do suggest considering bringing chairs, as the hype around the event means that provided seating may run out.

The Kitchener Market watch party will begin at 5 p.m.

In Cambridge, the Gaslight District will once again host a major free outdoor viewing party.

Instead of a traditional screen, District Square broadcasts the games on its “video wall,” referred to by the district as “The largest outdoor screen of its kind in Canada.”

The district itself is home to a variety of eateries, including Collective Arts, Foundry Tavern, and Pizzeria Motola for a bite in between halves. The organizers urge attendees to bring their own chairs, as well as team gear.

Free on-site parking and public washrooms will be available. Coverage of the game will begin at the conclusion of the prior Switzerland vs. Bosnia Herzegovina game, which begins at 2 p.m.

‘Everybody is watching it’

The joy of the large outdoor watch parties comes from the family and community atmosphere, say fans from around the region.

“The World Cup, you get everybody watching it, it’s not just typical soccer fans,” said a local fan named Christian. “You’ll get literally everybody watching it. Your uncle, your aunt, their little cousin, whatever, you’ll get everybody watching it, and I think that’s the best part.”

Another fan named Oliver urges locals to “Be the person who says I witnessed that. I was at this big gathering, I was with the community that watched it, just so you can have that experience in your mind.”

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Expectations for how Canada can compete in the game and the tournament at large seem to differ all throughout the region.

“It would be nice to see them win the quarters,” said Christian.

Another fan named Omar was less optimistic. “I don’t think they’re as good as they should be, I think they were better four years ago.”

Oliver was more positive, “I think the first game was just nerves. Hopefully, next game against Qatar and Switzerland, they’re able to sort of put out a better performance and have better finishing.”

Regardless of whether fans feel the game vs. Qatar is a possible loss or a sure win, Waterloo Region will have no shortage of places to catch the action on June 18.