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FIFA World Cup in Toronto is becoming a showcase for African soccer and culture
Africa is leaving a colourful mark on Canadian soccer during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In Vancouver, Egyptian legend Mohamed Salah helped the Pharaohs to their first-ever World Cup win Sunday, then celebrated on the West Coast city's streets with members of the Egyptian diaspora.
But the energy may be strongest in Toronto, where two African teams have already graced the Toronto Stadium's soccer pitch with energetic, captivating football and a vibrant atmosphere.
Ghana already played a game in Toronto on June 15, beating Panama 1-0 in front of thousands of fervent supporters. Near the media tribune where I sat, a large contingent of Ghana fans spent the entire game dancing, chanting and passionately reacting to every pass, every play — and the game's only goal.
African teams and their diaspora fans are bringing a pan-African vibe to the 2026 World Cup in Toronto.
"We're happy because we do see that a lot of people are excited when Ghana are at the World Cup, because of that vibe that we bring," said Brandon Thomas-Asante, who assisted Caleb Yirenkyi's winner against Panama.
For Toronto's African communities, the tournament offers a rare chance to watch some of the continent's top teams play in a World Cup close to home. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience," said Akwasi Osei-Tutu, who was heading to the Ghana-Panama game after wrapping up work in downtown Toronto.
Toronto's Sankofa Square also hosted The Global Kickoff, a two-day Pan-African festival and showcase created to welcome local communities and World Cup travellers to the city. "That's the beauty of Toronto, right? ... because we are a world in one city," said Akua Mensah, the event organizer and program director.
This FIFA World Cup 2026 is the first to feature 48 teams, up from 32 teams in the previous tournament. This expanded format has given more opportunities for African countries to play for the World Cup.
An African country has never won the World Cup, although Morocco came close in 2022, losing to France in the semifinals. "If any country in Africa takes it home, I am happy about that," said Elle de Lyon, the media and communications lead for The Global Kickoff.
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