Large fan crowds gathering in sweltering Toronto for Portugal-Croatia World Cup match
Written by The Canadian Press on July 2, 2026
TORONTO — Fans in Toronto are turning out in droves to watch Portugal take on Croatia at the FIFA men’s World Cup, despite a stifling heat wave and some event cancellations.
The round of 32 match is the final game of the international tournament to be played at Toronto Stadium.
Thousands of Portugal fans marched from Stanley Park to the stadium, drumming, chanting and singing in Portuguese. A large contingent of Croatia fans also formed their own march and showed up in strong numbers.
It could possibly be the final World Cup match of Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary career. His presence drew hundreds of fans outside the team’s hotel and practice site in Toronto, hoping to catch a glimpse of the soccer star.
A heat warning is in place for Toronto, with the humidity at kickoff expected to make it feel like 42 C, and a strong thunderstorm set to come in the evening.
The city cancelled match broadcasts at Nathan Phillips Square due to the extreme heat forecast and the amount of resources required to safely manage large crowds at all the FIFA events.
The FIFA Fan Festival is still open with heat relief measures including misting stations and drinking water trailers. The city says paramedics and law enforcement officials will be in attendance to support fan and staff safety.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 2, 2026.
The Canadian Press