World Cup Games Today: Elephant and Castle Skips Reservations for 2026 Viewing

Toronto bars are splitting on world cup games today, and Elephant and Castle is taking the open-door route. The pub added more TVs outside and will not take reservations, while other spots are locking in seats ahead of kickoff.

Elephant and Castle Opens Up

Marty Stuckey said, “We have added more TVs outside to create an outdoor watching environment.” Elephant and Castle will be open for every single game with the sound on, and it will not take reservations for World Cup games.

“It’s unfair if people make reservations and they come late or don’t show up and we’re holding tables,” Stuckey said. “If someone’s here, wanting to go, they should get first preference. So, we’ve decided not to do reservations this year, though we’ve had plenty of interest so far.”

The pub’s staff is already used to the crowds. Stuckey said, “The staff here are pretty well used to the soccer crowds.”

King Taps Locks Seats

King Taps is moving the other way. Tobishan Kruse-Dahl said, “We suggest making reservations as we are going 100 per cent reservation-based because there’s going to be such a high demand for viewing for all the games.”

At the Financial District location, King Taps will add extra roll-out TVs on all patios on both levels, “so there’s a great view no matter where you’re sat.” The venue is also planning a custom FIFA-inspired cocktail and a ticket giveaway contest for World Cup tickets with travel and accommodations.

Kruse-Dahl said the team is “geared and ready to go with full staff in all departments.”

Little Italy Adds Tables

In Little Italy, Rocco Mastrangelo said, “there will be a large video wall on the patio playing World Cup games.” During Taste of Little Italy, the restaurant will extend its patio onto Clinton Street with an additional 23 tables.

For the semi-finals, the third-place game and the final, Mastrangelo said, “there will be street parties with road seating, where people can watch on the video wall.”

That mix leaves Toronto fans with three different ways to watch: walk in without a booking at Elephant and Castle, reserve a seat at King Taps, or head to Little Italy for a patio setup that expands as the tournament reaches its biggest games.