Home Depot Canada is engaging with soccer fans during the World Cup through a number of on-the-ground activations designed by Salt XC to attract supporters and young families as the sport takes centre stage.
The official home improvement retail supporter of FIFA World Cup 2026 engaged customers in a soccer-skills challenge at its Yorkdale mall location in Toronto on June 22 for chances to win tickets to the June 23 game between Panama and Croatia and the June 27 match between Senegal and Iraq. Select participants also received Home Depot Canada gift cards and limited-edition merch.
“While large-scale events create excitement, our stores allow us to bring that same energy into high-traffic, everyday environments where we can reach far more Canadians,” says Aileen O’Doherty, senior director, marketing and insights at Home Depot Canada. “Yorkdale is a strong example, giving customers an easy, accessible way to engage with the experience and be part of the tournament in a tangible way.”
Image courtesy of The Home Depot Canada
Separately, backed by Salt XC, Home Depot Canada has been activating at FIFA Fan Festivals in select host cities via “Beckham’s Backyard,” an immersive fan experience. The XM links back to the retailer’s global “Build It Like Beckham” campaign, featuring former England national team star David Beckham. In Toronto and Vancouver, “Beckham’s Backyard” lets fans participate in a virtual game of keep-up against the soccer legend along with a Makita Foosball table and a face-painting station sponsored by Behr. Media Profile is providing communications support.
Last month, Home Depot Canada and Salt XC launched the one-day “The Big Build” at Markham Fairgrounds, which featured face painting, craft workshops and a series of soccer-themed games in a one-day activation that built upon the brand’s long-running in-store Kids Workshops program.
The strong turnout, O’Doherty says, reinforces that Canadians are looking for hands-on, local ways to connect with the World Cup, not just through major broadcast moments.
