In 2026, Canada will host the FIFA World Cup — with matches taking place in cities across the country, including Toronto. It’s a moment of genuine national pride and global connection, and for many workplaces and community organizations, it will naturally spark watch parties, shared viewing events, and celebratory gatherings.

These moments matter. Shared experiences build community and culture. But they also present a real test of inclusion — because without intentional planning, people with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, and those with sensory sensitivities can find themselves excluded from the very events designed to bring everyone together.

Inclusive event design isn’t about reducing the energy of an experience. It’s about ensuring that energy is accessible to everyone who wants to be part of it.

Why Major Events Present Distinct Accessibility Challenges

Sporting events are, by nature, high-stimulation environments. Crowd noise, flashing screens, fast-paced commentary, tight spaces, and unpredictable timing are all part of the experience — and for many people, they’re part of the appeal. But for others, these same features can make participation genuinely difficult.

Common barriers at large-scale events and viewing spaces include:

• Overstimulating noise levels that are difficult to manage for people with sensory sensitivities or auditory processing differences
• Limited or inaccessible seating options for people with mobility considerations
• Lack of quiet or low-stimulation spaces for those who need to step away and regulate
• Inaccessible venues or transportation, particularly in temporary or pop-up settings
• Unclear signage or rushed communication that can disorient attendees during busy periods

For organizations hosting workplace or community events around the World Cup, awareness of these barriers is the starting point. Planning around them is the next step.

Designing Viewing Events That Work for Everyone

Inclusion doesn’t mean making an event quieter or less celebratory. It means building in options so that more people can participate fully — in the way that works best for them.

Practical considerations for organizers:

• Designate a quiet or low-stimulation viewing area alongside the main event space — not as a lesser alternative, but as a genuine choice
• Ensure the venue has accessible entry points, accessible washrooms, and clear sightlines for wheelchair users
• Offer captioned broadcasts where possible, for attendees who are Deaf or hard of hearing
• Share event details — timing, layout, noise levels, parking — in advance and in accessible formats
• Build in hybrid participation options so that those who prefer to watch from home can still feel connected

The difference between an inclusive event and an inaccessible one is often a handful of deliberate decisions made early in the planning process.

Workplace Watch Events: A Cultural Opportunity

Workplace watch parties are a specific context worth thinking about carefully. They can be a genuine boost to team culture and morale — but they carry an added dimension: participation, even when framed as optional, often carries social weight in workplace settings.

Inclusive workplace event planning considers:

• Venue accessibility — including entry, seating, and sensory environment
• Genuine optionality — making it clear that non-attendance carries no social or professional consequence
• Sensory considerations — sound volume, lighting, and space density
• Smaller-group alternatives for employees who find large gatherings difficult
• Remote participation options for employees working off-site or from home

When employees feel that inclusion is genuinely considered rather than performative, it builds a different kind of trust in the organization.

The Principle of Choice

A foundational principle of accessibility is that inclusion is about expanding options, not dictating how people engage. Not every individual will want to participate in a high-energy public event — and that’s completely valid. The goal is to ensure that those who do want to participate are able to, and that those who prefer a different form of engagement have one available to them.

This might look like:

• A smaller viewing option alongside the main event
• A follow-up conversation space for those who prefer to engage in discussion rather than a crowd
• Flexibility to opt in to parts of an event rather than committing to the whole experience

Providing meaningful choice is what makes participation genuinely inclusive rather than technically available.

From Events to Everyday Practice

The attention that organizations give to accessibility during a major event like the World Cup reflects — and can strengthen — their broader inclusion culture. When teams experience inclusive planning done well, it raises the bar for what feels normal and expected going forward.

Major events are temporary. The practices, habits, and standards they inspire don’t have to be.

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