Germany, Ivory Coast fans ready for Toronto’s 3rd FIFA World Cup match
Written by The Canadian Press on June 20, 2026
TORONTO — Thousands of Germany and Ivory Coast soccer fans gathered in Toronto Saturday afternoon as the FIFA World Cup matchup between the two nations’ teams was set to get underway.
Toronto’s waterfront was a sea of black, red and yellow as rapturous German fans marched toward the stadium ahead of the tilt. Flags bobbed atop a roaring sea of fans who chanted in unison to the team’s high-energy anthem, “Super Deutschland olé!”.
Anja Duess wore a flower crown of Germany’s colours and a beaming smile as she prepared to set out on the march. A German transplant who has lived in Toronto for more than 20 years, Duess said Saturday’s atmosphere was unlike anything she’d seen before.
“It’s just such an amazing experience. Soccer has really ignited some new passion in Toronto, and in Canada overall,” said Duess, who was set to take in the match from the fan festival.
Sun and mostly clear skies shone on an estimated 5,000 people who took part in the festive march, police estimated. A pair of fans from Cologne, Germany, carrying a replica World Cup trophy praised the Toronto hospitality and appeared only mildly let down by interdiction against drinking on the street.
“The atmosphere is very good but it’s too less beer,” said Alex Manek with a grin.
Many Ivory Coast supporters were also expected to fill Toronto Stadium. The country’s orange, white and green flag was draped around the shoulders of Aurelie Ktakto, who said it was “the best feeling in the world” to see the World Cup hosted in Toronto.
“There’s so much fun going on in the city and it’s just the best,” she said.
The Ivorians opened the tournament with a 1-0 win over Ecuador, while Germany routed Curaçao 7-1 in its first match.
Kick off in Saturday’s match was set for 4 p.m. local time.
Ivory Coast players arrived in Toronto with striker Elye Wahi after the 23-year-old was cleared to enter Canada, a boost for the team.
There had been uncertainty over his availability for today’s match because he is under investigation in France for alleged betting-related offences.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 20, 2026.
The Canadian Press