Ghana-Panama World Cup match in Toronto was a party fit for a king

TORONTO — The Panama-Ghana matchup for Toronto’s second World Cup game drew Ghanaian royalty and thousands of fervent fans who were undeterred by the rain and gusty winds that replaced sunny skies as the game kicked off.

Many Ghana supporters started their day early at Sankofa Square in downtown Toronto, where attendees were greeted by Ghanaian king Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, dressed in traditional regalia, and other dignitaries.

The traditional ruler of the Asante kingdom in Ghana made an appearance as part of the Canada Ghana Chamber of Commerce’s “Beyond the World Cup” event in collaboration with the watch party, and the soccer fans saw it as a good omen.

“We were here very early to meet our king from Ghana, and then he gave us his blessing before leaving,” said Akwasi Kofi Antwi. That blessing meant that a Ghana victory was all but “guaranteed,” he said.

Predictions among the Sankofa Square crowd ranged widely — some fans forecasted Ghana scoring as many as seven goals against Panama, while others predicted a more modest 2-0 result.

The actual outcome was 1-0, albeit a dramatic one as Ghana scored in stoppage time.

“It was a very difficult game,” fan Elijah Appau admitted afterward. “But I’m very grateful for this win … I was screaming, I was jumping, I didn’t know what to do with myself.”

For Panama fan Luis Cuesta, the result was disappointing but he said he was still walking away happy.

“We (lost) but we did a good job,” he said. “I’m happy because we saw so many Panamanian people at the game.”

The match may have ended with some tense moments between the opposing teams on the field, but their supporters were joyful as they mingled at Toronto Stadium and broke off into various dance parties outside afterward. Similar scenes were repeated at watch parties across the city, including at the outdoor FIFA Fan Fest where people jumped and danced in rain ponchos on a soggy field.

Before kickoff, jubilant Ghana supporters had marched from Stanley Park and a massive crowd draped in Panama flags and colours made its way from Trinity Bellwoods Park. Stadium attendance reached nearly 43,000.

Nathaniel Kpodjie, a lifelong soccer fan, said watching his community come together at Sankofa Square over food and music was a highlight of the day for his family.

“I’m so happy to see Ghana make it to the World Cup this year and seeing them play,” he said.

For some fans, the absence of midfielder Thomas Partey cast a shadow over the celebrations.

Partey was refused entry into Canada because he’s awaiting trial in Britain on rape and sexual assault charges. He has pleaded not guilty and Ghana has criticized the decision as unfair. A Federal Court judge on Tuesday dismissed his bid for emergency relief.

“It’s just unfortunate that our (vice) captain … was not granted an entry into the country, but we are hoping for the best for the team,” said team supporter Alex Denteh, who travelled to Toronto from Montreal.

While Ghana fans at Sankofa Square also acknowledged Partey’s talent, many said the allegations against him were serious and should not be overlooked. Some felt his absence could affect Ghana’s chances, though most remained confident in the team’s path to victory.

For Panama fans, the match presented the first of two opportunities to cheer on their team in Toronto. Panama will also face Croatia at the stadium next week.

Eric Franco, who arrived from Panama with his father and a friend to attend both matches, said he easily secured tickets for the games.

“It was a little bit expensive but we are here,” he said.

Toronto is hosting four more World Cup matches, with Germany and Ivory Coast facing off next on Saturday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 17, 2026.

Maan Alhmidi and Monique Kasonga, The Canadian Press