The build-up to the FIFA World Cup 2026 now includes an option beyond living rooms and sports bars: movie theatres. Cineplex has announced a partnership with Bell Media’s TSN to present select matches live on cinema screens across Canada. According to the announcement, tickets went on sale on May 15, 2026 and are priced at $9.99 each before taxes and any applicable fees, giving fans a different way to experience the tournament while Canada co-hosts the event alongside the United States and Mexico.
This initiative is aimed at bringing the spectacle of the World Cup to larger audiences in communal settings. Seats can be purchased online and at participating box offices, and Cineplex says tickets will be released in stages, beginning with select group stage matches and expanding closer to each match day. The screenings promise the familiar concession options moviegoers expect, plus alcoholic beverages where provincial laws permit, creating a hybrid entertainment environment that blends sport and cinema.
What audiences can expect in theatres
Theatre screenings will offer the match on a big screen with stadium-style audio and the usual Cineplex concessions. Attendees will find fan-favourite snacks and, in many locations, alcoholic drinks in accordance with local liquor regulations. Cineplex emphasizes that participating venues may vary by day and by match, but that dozens of locations across major Canadian centres will be involved, including sites in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. This approach aims to reproduce the energy of a public viewing while using cinema amenities for comfort and convenience.
Ticketing and release schedule
Tickets for the first wave of games went on sale on May 15, 2026 and cost $9.99 each, with online purchases subject to an online booking fee of up to $1.50 plus taxes. Cineplex will roll out additional tickets in subsequent waves, releasing seats for later matches closer to match days to manage demand and programming. Purchases can be made via Cineplex.com or at the box office of participating theatres, and exact venue availability will depend on the match being shown.
Broadcast rights and how matches will be available
In Canada, TSN and RDS hold the exclusive rights to broadcast the entire FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament, which expands to 48 teams and 104 matches. That exclusivity means Cineplex is working with the tournament’s rights holder to present select matches in cinemas while all matches remain available through TSN and RDS. Coverage will also extend through other platforms: select content will be seen on CTV and streamed on Crave via the live CTV channel, providing multiple ways for Canadian viewers to follow the tournament.
Why cinemas matter for live sports
Watching soccer in a theatre offers an amplified audiovisual experience and the social buzz of a crowd reacting in real time. For many fans, a theatre setting provides clearer sightlines, consistent sound and a comfortable seat compared with crowded bars or outdoor public viewings. Cineplex’s offering blends the communal thrill of public viewings with the amenities of a cinema, making it appealing for families, friend groups and corporate outings who prefer a controlled environment with concessions and reserved seating.
Cineplex’s role and broader reach
Cineplex positions itself as a national entertainment network, operating a circuit of theatres and location-based venues across Canada. The company highlights its portfolio that includes specialized concepts such as The Rec Room, Playdium and Cineplex Junxion, and participates in the Scene+ loyalty program. By programming live sports alongside films and events, Cineplex continues to diversify its alternative programming offerings and provide more ways for audiences to gather at its venues.
For practical updates, Cineplex recommends following its official channels for news about added matches and venue listings. The theatre screenings create a new option for fans who want to enjoy the spectacle of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on a larger-than-life scale while taking advantage of familiar cinema comforts. With staged ticket releases and a nationwide footprint, Cineplex and TSN’s collaboration offers a distinct viewing choice during a tournament that promises an expanded schedule and global attention.
