Toronto answers the call in historic FIFA World Cup countdown ceremony

Wednesday night at Fort York and The Bentway in Toronto proved to be the start of five weeks of partying and celebrations as the World Cup comes to North America in a historic multi-city extravaganza. As the largest World Cup ever with 48 teams participating, it was even more fitting that three major cities simultaneously kicked off celebrations, with Los Angeles, Mexico City, and Toronto holding a simultaneous concert with major names headlining in all three locations.

While the concert was scheduled for 9:00 PM, the Fort York and The Bentway grounds were open to paying customers from 7:00 PM, who were treated to a high-energy set by Toronto’s own Kardinal Offishall in a surprising turn as a DJ.

Fans were also free to roam the grounds and sample food from local vendors and alcohol from major brands like Ultra and Casamigos.

Once 9:00 PM hit, the first act of the day, Andrea Bocelli, kicked off the show in Mexico City with a soaring rendition of “Nelle Tue Mani” (In Your Hands), with the blind Italian tenor being beamed onto the large Fort York and The Bentway screens. The crowd really got loud when the global broadcast cut to Toronto, and Ontario’s own Bryan Adams emerged on the stage. Sporting a fitting tracksuit, Bryan got the crowd worked into a frenzy, opening with his most recent single, “Roll with the Punches,” but managed to take it up another notch by following it up with the all-time classic, “Summer of ’69.”

While musicians like Major Lazer and Davido took over the LA stage, the next Toronto performer was Moroccan Canadian star Nora Fatehi, accompanied by French hip-hop artist Vegedream and producer Sanjoy. After performing their official FIFA song and World Cup anthem “Siir Siir” (which has amassed 20 million views in the 24 hours since its official release) Vegedream launched into a brief performance of his 2018 World Cup smash hit, “Ramenez la Coupe à la Maison,” delighting the Toronto crowd with the “Allez les Bleus, allez” refrain.

After Torontos own The Beaches took the Fort York stage, Brampton folk singer AHI, accompanied by Wyclef Jean, performed their inspirational anthem, “Chosen.” Wyclef closed their set with a short freestyle, offering a quick nod to Drake, “If you rep the Six and you’re ready. It’s Wyclef Jean. I’m in the Iceman’s city!”

Even though the show ended at 10:30 PM, one reveler, Mike, quipped about how amazing it was to see the diversity of the city out in full force on a work night. “I had only planned to stay for about an hour, but work can wait,” said Mike.

The official opening ceremony for Canada was scheduled for June 12^th. at 1:30 PM at the Toronto Stadium, right before Canada’s first match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, with acts like Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyez, Michael Bublé, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream, and William Prince that performed.

Fans can also head down to Fort York and The Bentway again anytime throughout the tournament to view games as part of the official FIFA Fan Fest celebrations, with both free and paid options available.