The FIFA World Cup 2026 continued to deliver exciting action on the field while generating growing optimism across the hospitality and tourism sectors in Canada and North America.

One of the most entertaining matches of the day saw Iran and New Zealand play out a thrilling 2-2 draw in Los Angeles. New Zealand twice took the lead through Elijah Just, with Chris Wood providing assists for both goals. However, Iran responded on each occasion through Mohammad Mohebbi and Rezaeian Ramin to earn a share of the points in a fast-paced encounter.

Elsewhere, Group H saw Spain and Cape Verde battle to a goalless draw at Atlanta Stadium. In Group G, Belgium and Egypt finished level at 1-1 in Seattle, while Saudi Arabia and Uruguay also shared the points in a 1-1 draw at Miami Stadium.

While football remains the centre of attention, the tournament's influence is extending far beyond the stadiums. Canada's hospitality industry is increasingly viewing FIFA World Cup 2026 as a long-term tourism opportunity that could strengthen the country's global profile and attract future visitors well beyond the tournament period.

Industry leaders believe that while higher airfares, accommodation rates, and travel costs may influence some fans' plans to travel between multiple host cities, the overall tourism outlook remains highly positive. Hotel demand in Toronto continues to be supported by major events including Blue Jays games, concerts, and Pride celebrations alongside FIFA-related travel.

To support the expected visitor influx, public transportation networks have been expanded significantly, with additional buses and train services improving connectivity across the region. Visitors are also being encouraged to consider accommodation options beyond Toronto's downtown area, including destinations such as Mississauga, Vaughan, and Markham, all of which offer convenient transit access to the city centre.

Hospitality stakeholders believe the tournament's most significant economic impact may come after the final whistle. Increased global exposure is expected to encourage future leisure travel, international conventions, business events, and repeat visits, helping Canada strengthen its position as a leading tourism destination.

The scale of FIFA World Cup 2026 is projected to create substantial growth across hotels, airlines, restaurants, attractions, and local businesses. Millions of football fans from Europe, South America, Asia, Oceania, and other regions are expected to travel across North America, contributing to tourism spending and cultural exchange.

Industry analysts suggest that the tournament could become one of the most influential tourism events in recent history, helping transform North America into a major global travel hub. Canada, in particular, is expected to benefit from increased international visibility, stronger visitor demand, and long-term tourism growth opportunities.

As the tournament progresses, hospitality leaders remain optimistic that FIFA World Cup 2026 will not only deliver memorable sporting moments but also leave behind a lasting tourism and economic legacy across Canada and the wider North American region.

Dough & Cream Private Limited has announced the appointment of Chef Rajat Nunwal as its new Executive Pastry Chef, reinforcing the company’s focus on innovation, quality, and excellence in the bakery and pastry segment.

With more than 14 years of international culinary experience spanning India, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States, Chef Rajat brings deep expertise in artisan breads, viennoiserie, plated desserts, chocolate artistry, celebration cakes, luxury buffet presentations, and large-scale bakery operations. His career reflects a strong blend of technical precision and creative expression, consistently delivering refined dessert experiences across diverse hospitality environments.

In his new role, Chef Rajat will oversee pastry and bakery production at Dough & Cream Private Limited, while also leading product development, maintaining quality standards, and driving training initiatives across teams. He will be responsible for expanding the company’s portfolio of breads, cakes, desserts, and seasonal specialties, with a focus on both innovation and consistency.

Before joining Dough & Cream, Chef Rajat served as Pastry Chef at SANJH Modern Indian Restaurant in Texas, USA, where he developed contemporary Indian desserts and managed premium bakery production. He also worked as Sous Chef – Bakery & Pastry at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas, where he handled luxury pastry operations, buffet presentations, and team coordination.

His earlier experience includes leadership roles at Savorworks in Delhi and Andaz Delhi by Hyatt, where he contributed to pre-opening culinary operations and managed key bakery and pastry functions. Chef Rajat began his career with leading hospitality brands such as Le Méridien New Delhi and Hilton Mayur Vihar, building a strong foundation in pastry production and luxury hospitality standards.

Speaking on his appointment, Chef Rajat Nunwal said he is delighted to join Dough & Cream and looks forward to contributing to the company’s growth by creating innovative products, mentoring teams, and delivering memorable dessert experiences.

With this appointment, Dough & Cream aims to further strengthen its innovation pipeline and enhance its position in the premium bakery and pastry segment, while continuing to deliver high-quality offerings to its growing customer base.

Emirates has announced that it will broadcast every match of the FIFA World Cup 26™ live onboard its flights through its dedicated live sports channel, Sport 24, available on the airline’s ice entertainment system.

From the opening ceremony in Mexico on June 12, 2026, to the final match in the United States on July 19, 2026, passengers will be able to follow the entire tournament in real time while flying. The initiative ensures that travellers do not miss any key moment of one of the world’s most widely watched sporting events, even at 40,000 feet.

The live coverage will be available via Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra, part of the airline’s onboard entertainment ecosystem. The service is designed to bring global fans together in the air, allowing passengers from different nations to experience the excitement of the tournament simultaneously while travelling.

To further enhance accessibility, the full match schedule has been featured in the June edition of the ice magazine, enabling passengers to plan their journeys around key fixtures and stay updated throughout the competition. Availability of live TV services may vary depending on aircraft type and route.

Select matches of the FIFA World Cup 26™ will also be screened in Emirates Lounges Dubai, where possible, extending the viewing experience beyond the aircraft.

Alongside football, Emirates’ onboard entertainment platform will also feature additional global sporting events. From June 4 to 20, Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra will air the NBA Finals. Other scheduled broadcasts include the Canada Sail Grand Prix in Halifax, the Formula 1® Moët & Chandon Belgian Grand Prix on July 19, and the Formula 1® AWS Hungarian Grand Prix on July 26.

Through this expanded live sports offering, Emirates continues to position its in-flight experience as a global entertainment hub, bringing passengers closer to major international sporting moments regardless of their destination.