Be part of one of the most unforgettable moments of the FIFA World Cup in Toronto as we carry the 100-metre Croatian flag from Croatia House to Toronto Stadium ahead of the Croatia vs. Portugal match!

This is more than a walk – it’s a celebration of Croatian heritage, unity, and passion. Let’s turn Toronto into a sea of red and white as thousands of supporters march together with pride.

5:00 PM | Thursday, July 2, 2026

Bring your Croatian colours, your flags, your family, and your voice as we create an unforgettable atmosphere before kickoff.

7:00 PM – Croatia vs. Portugal at Toronto Stadium

Let’s show the world what Croatian supporters are all about.

Together. Proudly. Unforgettable.

The Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome Croatian supporters from across Canada and around the world for another exciting edition of Croatia House TO2026 as Croatia takes on Portugal in one of the tournament’s most anticipated matches.

Whether you’re travelling from across the GTA, another province, the United States or overseas, Croatia House is the place to gather before kickoff and celebrate alongside thousands of passionate Croatian supporters.

Your Match Day Starts Here

Join us beginning at 1:00 PM for an afternoon filled with Croatian pride, music, food, drinks, and an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Toronto.

Located just 200 metres from Toronto Stadium, the Toronto Event Centre will once again transform into the official gathering place for Croatian fans.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, July 2, 2026

Match: Croatia vs. Portugal

Location: Toronto Event Centre
15 Saskatchewan Road
Exhibition Place, Toronto

Pre-Game Celebration: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Admission: $25

Please Note: There is no entry after 7:00 PM.

What to Expect

Croatia House is a celebration of Croatian culture, community, and national pride.

Guests can enjoy:

• Live entertainment featuring DJ Škara
• A lively atmosphere with thousands of Croatian supporters
• Food and beverages available for purchase
• Outdoor space with a covered patio
• Incredible photo opportunities
• The perfect gathering place before the match

Croatia House is where lifelong memories will be made.

Tickets

Admission is just $25, making Croatia House one of the best ways to experience the excitement surrounding Croatia’s World Cup journey.

Purchase your tickets in advance by scanning the QR code on the event poster or visiting https://www.ticketweb.ca/event/pre-game-celebration-croatia-toronto-event-centre-tickets/14782323

Wear the Red and White

Bring your jerseys, scarves, flags, and your loudest chants as we cheer on Vatreni together. Croatia House promises an unforgettable day filled with passion, friendship, and the unmistakable spirit of Croatia.

Ajmo Hrvatska!

We look forward to celebrating with you on July 2 at Croatia House TO2026. Let’s fill Toronto with red, white, and Croatian pride as we stand behind our national team together.

Due to overwhelming demand, a new block of limited All-Day Pass tickets has been released for Croatia House TO2026 – Croatia vs. Panama on June 23!

Join thousands of passionate fans for an unforgettable full day of Croatian pride, football excitement, music, food, and celebration – just steps from Toronto Stadium.

Your All-Day Pass Includes:

Pre-Game Celebration (ALL AGES) – Live entertainment, Croatian music, incredible fan atmosphere & game-day energy

Watch Party (ALL AGES) – No game tickets? Stay and cheer on Croatia as they take on Panama

Post-Game Celebration (16+ accompanied by an adult) – Keep the party going into the night with live Croatian music

All-Day Pass: $50

Limited quantities available – once this release is gone, they’re gone.

Toronto Event Centre

June 23, 2026 | 1:00 PM

https://www.ticketweb.ca/venue/toronto-event-centre-toronto-on/496985

Through inspiring stories and dynamic discussion, we will reflect on the mindset, discipline and grit that drive achievement both on and off the field.

REGISTER FOR YOUR FREE TICKET HERE – https://events.humanitix.com/croatian-women-s-alliance-june-online-event

Toronto, get ready.

On Monday, June 22, 2026, the Croatian community and football fans from around the world will gather for an unforgettable opening celebration as Croatia House TO2026 officially kicks off in Toronto.

Hosted at the Toronto Event Centre, this high-energy evening marks an incredible two days of celebrations surrounding the highly anticipated Croatia vs Panama match in Toronto.

Croatia House Kick-Off Bash & Opening Night promises an electric atmosphere featuring:

Croatian music all night long

Live DJ entertainment

A vibrant social atmosphere with fans from across Canada and abroad

A chance to welcome Croatian supporters and friends from around the world

Whether you are travelling to Toronto or cheering from home, this is where the Croatian spirit comes alive.

Event Details

Monday, June 22, 2026

8:00 PM – 2:00 AM

Toronto Event Centre

15 Saskatchewan Road, Exhibition Place, Toronto

Tickets: $25

19+ Event

Gather your friends, wear your red and white, and be part of an unforgettable opening night filled with energy, music, and national pride.

One city. One nation. Thousands of fans.

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE – https://www.ticketweb.ca/venue/toronto-event-centre-toronto-on/496985

NOTE:

Public transit will be the primary way to travel to and from matches and events. There will be no public parking available at Toronto Stadium, Exhibition Place or in surrounding neighbourhoods, including Liberty Village and Fort York, where local access restrictions will be in place. Transit service adjustments will be implemented to support increased demand.

Traditional parking-lot tailgating is not permitted at the Toronto Stadium (Exhibition Place) for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Join thousands of supporters for an unforgettable experience featuring a Pre-Game Celebration and a Post-Game Party, all hosted at the Toronto Event Centre, just steps from Toronto Stadium.

Whether you’re gathering before the match, staying to watch the action unfold, or celebrating long into the evening, Croatia House will be the place where Croatian pride, music, and fan energy come alive.

Start the day with fellow supporters before the big match.

Starts at 1:00 PM
All Ages Welcome
$25

Featuring:

Slavonia Band
DJ Škara
Food & drinks available for purchase
Outdoor covered patio
Stay for the Match!

Pre-Game ticket holders are welcome to remain at Croatia House to watch the game with fellow fans and experience the excitement together.

We are proud to share that Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce member Ruza Vrdoljak Licina is launching the first edition of Cinema Shift Festival on June 5 at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema.

Cinema Shift Festival explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping filmmaking, authorship, and creative production through a curated evening of talks, short films, awards, and industry conversation. The festival has already been featured in the Toronto Star and brings together filmmakers, technologists, legal experts, students, and creative industry professionals for a timely conversation about the future of cinema.

As this is the inaugural edition, we invite our community to support Ruza and the Cinema Shift team by attending, sharing, or helping connect the festival with people who may be interested.

Tickets and program information: https://luma.com/CinemaShiftFestival2026

BEA 2026 – Award Recipients (Photo: Walter Sudetić)

Toronto, Canada – May 10, 2026 – Nearly 700 guests gathered outside of Toronto over the weekend for the 22nd Annual Business Excellence Awards gala hosted by the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce. The evening brought together business leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals and other members of the Croatian community, Canadian political representatives, and members of the Croatian diplomatic corps for an evening celebrating business achievement, entrepreneurship, education, community service, and cultural pride.

“At its core, this evening has never really changed. It’s about our Croatian-Canadian community,” Ivan Grbešić, executive member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, told the packed ballroom, emphasizing the enduring purpose of the event.  “Before the titles, before the achievements, before the formalities, this night is about people coming together. Connection. Recognition. Celebration. And a reminder of how far we’ve come, together.”

Reflecting on the sacrifices of earlier generations and the accomplishments now visible throughout the community, Grbešić added: “Take a look around the room tonight. Not only at quantity – another packed house – but at quality. This is what progress looks like: real people, real stories, and real impact.”

BEA 2026 – Welcome Address by Ivan Grbešić (Photo: Walter Sudetić)

The opening remarks highlighted Croatian-Canadians recently making headlines nationally and internationally, including: Archbishop Petar Rajič, recently appointed by Pope Leo as Prefect of the Papal Household, stepping into one of the Vatican’s most prominent diplomatic and administrative roles at the heart of the Holy See; business executive Victor Dodig, long-time leader in Canadian banking who has recently drawn attention for his involvement with Croatian basketball giant KK Cibona as part of its turnaround efforts; Ivan Čondić, CFO of NuVista Energy,  who recently contributed to a landmark US$2.9 billion M&A sale transaction of his publicly listed company; singer Daniella Pavičić, recently honoured by Večernji List with the “Večernjakova Domovnica 2026” in the category of Music; Toronto FC goalkeeper Luka Gavran, who made history by scoring a goalkeeper’s goal – becoming only the third goalkeeper ever in Major League Soccer history to do so, and the first in Toronto FC history; and Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanović, recently appeared on Croatian television (Dobro Jutro Hrvatska, HRT) in connection with his efforts in Zagreb in promoting Canada as one of the hosts of the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

The evening formally opened with the singing of the national anthems of Canada and Croatia, led by Julijana Hajdinjak and Andrew Sporčić, followed by a blessing delivered by Father Marko Štefanec of Holy Cross Croatian Roman Catholic Church in Hamilton.

BEA 2026 – Fireside Chat with Robert Andjelić (Photo: Walter Sudetić)

The special guest at this year’s event was Robert Andjelić, Founder and CEO of Andjelic Land Inc. Introduced as “a visionary entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist,” Andjelić engaged in a fireside chat with Joe Draganjac, executive member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, and Nick Pocrnić, Director Mining Specialist at Scotiabank. His story is one of determination and entrepreneurial drive – and one of doing it his way and not the way of the masses.

Andjelić shared reflections on entrepreneurship, resilience, long-term value creation and his thoughtful approach to agriculture and stewardship of one of our most important resources – the land itself. Born in Croatia, then part of communist Yugoslavia, he and his two siblings were smuggled by their mother across the border to Austria in 1958, joining his father, who had fled earlier, in Winnipeg, where the family began renovating homes. Andjelić built one of North America’s largest private farmland portfolios through disciplined investing and a long-term approach to agricultural land ownership. He may have left Slavonia but a part of Slavonia has never left him – it remains deeply embedded in his outlook, values, and long-term vision.

Today, Andjelic Land Inc. manages more than 250,000 acres across the provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, with the farmland portfolio estimated to be worth over $1 billion. Widely recognized as the largest private farmland owner in Canada (outside of the Crown) and second-largest private cropland owner in North America (second only to Bill Gates), Andjelić has become one of the most influential figures in Canadian agriculture.

Before entering agriculture, Andjelić founded Sun X, a family-owned industrial real estate company whose eventual sale became the largest commercial real estate transaction in Manitoba at the time. After selling the majority of his commercial real estate portfolio in 2007, he expanded into global commodities trading before turning his attention to farmland investment in 2010.

BEA 2026 – Award Presentation to Mila Babić (Photo: Walter Sudetić)

A number of business awards, recognizing outstanding Croatian-Canadian achievement across multiple categories, were presented at the gala: Andjelic Land Inc. and Robert Andjelić received the Large Business of the Year Award;  Trinity Engineering and Consulting Inc. led by Adrian Abramović was honoured as Small Business of the Year; Mila Babić, Executive Vice‑President and Chief Client Services Officer at the Ontario Pension Board,  was presented the Executive of the Year Award; Nikolina Švorinić, Founder of founder of Beauty By Nikolina, received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award; and Dr. Ivan (John) Galić received the Professional of the Year Award.  Gabriela Bobetić was presented the Community Achievement Award for her decades of volunteerism and dedication to preserving Croatian culture and community life in Canada, and particularly in her community in Montréal.

BEA 2026 – “Resurrection”, the commemorative award print by Anton Cetín (Photo: Walter Sudetić)

Award receipts were presented with a commemorative award print, “Resurrection”, by Croatian-Canadian artist Anton Cetín. “The print, which is  a deeply symbolic tribute to the City of Vukovar, reflects themes of remembrance, resilience, dignity, and renewal.  Through subtle national symbolism and the calm, resolute figure at its centre, the piece reminds us that tragedy does not end in silence – it endures through resilience, memory, and hope”,  said Krešo Mitar, the gala’s co-master of ceremony.

A central theme repeated throughout the evening was the importance of inspiring youth. Speakers and attendees alike emphasized that one of the core purposes of the gala is to showcase role models from within the Croatian-Canadian community so that students and young professionals in attendance can see what is possible, and be encouraged to aim higher in their own academic, professional, and personal journeys.

BEA 2026 – Another Sold-Out Gala (Photo: Walter Sudetić)

One of the Chamber’s highest priorities continues to be investing in youth and supporting the next generation of Croatian-Canadian leaders. Proceeds from the evening’s silent auction and raffle were donated to the Croatian-Canadian Scholarship Fund, developed in partnership with the Croatian-Canadian Library.

BEA 2026 – Scholarship and Bursary Recipients (Photo: Walter Sudetić)

Scholarships ($2,000) and bursaries ($1,500) were presented by the Croatian-Canadian Scholarship Fund, with the assistance of Croatian Ambassador Vice Skračić, to students Jessica Tomačić (University of Toronto), Gabrielle Šraka (Toronto Metropolitan University), Sabrina Pavliša (University of Toronto), Alan Milković (University of Toronto), Joseph Vlašić (Brock University), and Mato Brinovac (University of Calgary), recognizing their academic achievement, leadership, and continued involvement within the Croatian-Canadian community.

The celebration was brought to a spirited close with the performance of traditional Croatian songs by Zlatni List and their tamburitzas.

“On behalf of the Chamber and members of our Croatian-Canadian community, congratulations to all of our award, scholarship and bursary recipients and special thanks to our inspiring guest Robert Andjelić for flying in from Calgary to share his remarkable achievements and speak about his perspective of what lies ahead for Canada and for the world economy more generally.  Robert’s willingness to travel across the country to join us for the event says a lot about him and the value he attributes to his Croatian roots and the recognition of his achievements by his own community clearly meant a lot to members of his family who were in attendance”, said Wanita Kelava, Manager of the Chamber.

BEA 2026 – Canadian and Croatian Political and Diplomatic Dignitaries with Members of the Board and Manager of the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce (Photo: Walter Sudetić)

In Support of the Croatian-Canadian Scholarship Fund

This is a wonderful opportunity to bid on a variety of unique and exciting items – all while making a meaningful contribution to the education and future of our youth through the Croatian-Canadian Scholarship Fund.

Your participation will make a real difference.

We invite you to browse, bid, and support this important cause!

Auction closes: Friday, May 8, 2026, at 11:00 PM.

Thank you for your generosity and support!

All Items – May08/26 Croatian Chamber of Commerce Gala | GalaBid

Experience a vibrant program celebrating music from around the world alongside beloved classics. The evening will also feature past CCCS Merit Award recipients and the introduction of this year’s recipient.

A reception with light refreshments will follow the concert.

Tickets: $25 adults, $15 children (14 & under).

Purchase online at Canadian Croatian Choral Society
by e-transfer to finance@cccschoir.com or contact
Branko at 416.407.4444