World Cup match against Panama ‘a home game’ for Croatia in Toronto, fans say
Written by The Canadian Press on June 23, 2026
TORONTO — A sea of red-and-white checkered jerseys has filled Toronto Stadium as Croatia’s large fan base turned out in full force for the country’s World Cup match against Panama.
The Croatia fans whistled and waved cardboard cut-outs of their soccer heroes’ faces as they paraded toward Toronto Stadium before the match kicked off, as the acrid smell of red smoke canisters filled the air. A contingent of fans carried a 100-metre flag that has become a centrepiece of their celebrations.
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.
Others came from far and wide, including Sanja Shaback, who arrived from Vancouver to strike seeing Croatian superstar Luka Modric off her bucket list.
“There’s more Croatians at this game than there were Canadians at the Canadian game in Vancouver,” she said. “This is definitely a home game for Croatia.”
The stadium crowd and fans at Toronto’s flagship FIFA Fan Festival erupted when Croatia scored the first goal of the game before halftime. Both teams need a win tonight: Panama lost its opening match in Toronto 1-0 to Ghana, and Croatia fell 4-2 against England.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic attended the game, sharing a box with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Before kickoff, 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.”
Panama supporters were also in good spirits on Tuesday, with thousands of fans marching from Trinity Bellwoods Park to the stadium.
“Croatia is a great team, but we have faith,” said Johau Lewis, who travelled to Toronto from Panama to attend both of his country’s games in the city.
“Panama is a small country with a big heart,” he said. “And we come with faith.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 23, 2026.
Elissa Mendes and Maan Alhmidi, The Canadian Press