How the FIFA World Cup is bringing a pan-African vibe to life in Toronto

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.

The party isn't over yet. Senegal plays Iraq in Toronto on Friday, and the city could also host an African nation in a Round of 32 match on July 2, depending on where Ghana and the Democratic Republic of Congo finish in their groups.

Both teams are in action today: Ghana plays England in Boston Stadium at 4 p.m. ET, while DR Congo takes on Colombia at 10 p.m. ET. 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.

"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.