Fans rally in Toronto as Panama and Croatia face off at World Cup
Written by The Canadian Press on June 23, 2026
TORONTO — Thousands of Panama and Croatia fans have marched through Toronto as the two teams face off in the World Cup tonight.
A sea of people in red-and-white checkered jerseys cheered in Croatian, whistled and waved cardboard cut-outs of their heroes’ faces as they paraded toward Toronto Stadium.
Many children watched the celebrations unfold from their parents’ shoulders, as the acrid smell of red smoke canisters filled the air.
The Ontario government says more than 100,000 people of Croatian descent live in the province, which it says is the largest Croatian population in Canada.
Meanwhile, Panama fans hit the pavement for a march from Trinity Bellwoods Park to the stadium, hoping to see their team score a victory in Toronto.
Both teams need a win tonight: Panama lost its opening match 1-0 to Ghana, and Croatia fell 4-2 against England.
Elena Dejanovic described the atmosphere among the crowds as “ludilo,” the Croatian word for madness.
“This is perfect,” she said. “This is amazing.”
Dejanovic was with family members who travelled from Croatia and Switzerland for the game.
“It means a lot because it brings us together and it’s something that we don’t get to do a lot, so it’s wonderful,” she said.
Dejanovic said the World Cup has been a “come together moment” for Toronto.
“Everybody’s like all for one, one for all,” she said. “It doesn’t matter who you are … it’s a nice feeling.”
Panama fan Armando Acosta, who had been planning the World Cup trip with his father for months, agreed.
“It feels like everybody is family in the stadium,” he said. “It’s really great.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 23, 2026.
Elissa Mendes and Maan Alhmidi, The Canadian Press