“There are people here from all over the planet”: The wild World Cup party that was Ghana vs. Panama

Last week, an army of international soccer heads parachuted into Toronto Stadium for the FIFA World Cup showdown between Ghana and Panama. Thousands of Ghanaians and Panamanians made the trip—draped in flags and in their native colours—alongside supporters from England, Croatia, Portugal and so many other countries. We spoke with delirious fans as they streamed off the GO train en route to the greatest footy match of their lives. 

Related: “Glorious sunshine, beautiful sight lines”: How fans enjoyed Canada’s first home World Cup match

Oriel Portugal, Miami, Florida

What brings you to the game? I live in the US now, but I was born and raised in Panama. We don’t qualify for the World Cup often, and I couldn’t make it when we qualified for the first time ever in 2018. So, I made sure to witness it this time.

Why should non-footy fans in Toronto care about the World Cup? It’s a different kind of passion. I love baseball and played it growing up, but when a goal is scored in soccer, the ensuing energy of the stadium is unlike anything else. And with everything happening in the world right now, soccer is one of those things that still brings people together. I don’t think there’s another sport quite like it.

Dan and Josephine Theal, Buffalo, New York

What brings you to the game? Josephine: We’re big Ghana supporters. I’m Ghanaian, and we’ve seen the team play many times. Dan’s Ghanaian by default, through marriage.

Dan: Ghana is part of our love story. We shot our engagement photos wearing Michael Essien Ghana jerseys. Being here at the World Cup feels like everything has come full circle.

Why should non-footy fans in Toronto care about the World Cup? Dan: Soccer is the global language. You can travel almost anywhere and connect with locals by striking up a conversation about a player or a match. And what I love most about soccer is that the game is for everyone. Every body type, every background and every socioeconomic status has a place in soccer. It doesn’t matter how tall you are or how much money you have.

David Kittoe, Cleveland, Ohio

How much did you spend on your tickets? We spent about $2,800 total, but it was worth every penny. I’m originally from Ghana, and I wanted to bring my sons to see their national team play on the world’s biggest stage.

What makes soccer such a universal sport? Soccer doesn’t require expensive equipment, which is one of the reasons it’s so popular. All you really need is a ball. Even if you don’t have one, you can make your own. You can stuff a pair of socks together and start playing.

Chantal Blok, Panama City, Panama

Why should non-footy fans in Toronto care about the World Cup? I think this tournament is so special because it gathers people from all around the world. There are Panamanians here, all coming to support our team. It’s also a chance to learn about countries and cultures you might not know much about. If people watch Panama, I hope they see that we celebrate, even if we lose. I always try to find joy and focus on the positives, whatever the circumstances.

Ollie Havens, Manchester, England

How much did you spend on your tickets? About $750.

What brings you to the game? We were hoping England would get a match in Toronto, but that didn’t happen. So we decided to come watch Ghana and then catch England’s game at the Fan Festival. I grew up playing, and it’s always been a huge part of my life. For English fans, there’s always hope that maybe this will finally be the year we win the World Cup after decades of disappointment.

What needs to change for soccer to become a bigger sport in Canada? Funding. From what I’ve seen, there are good opportunities through universities and other programs, but continued investment is what helps build a strong football culture and develop top players.

Malachi Taylor, Etobicoke

What brings you to the game? I’m Ghanaian by heritage, and I got my ticket as a gift, so I had to come out and represent my country.

Why should non-footy fans in Toronto care about the World Cup? Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world, and soccer reflects that. The sport has a global fan base that’s bigger than any other. Not every country plays American football or basketball, but almost every country plays soccer. There are people coming here from all over the planet, so if you’ve never been to a game at a stadium before, this is the time to give it a chance.

Nate Brown, Halifax, Nova Scotia

What brings you to the game? I’ve been a fan of Ghana’s national team for a long time and always loved their colourful jerseys. My grandmother surprised me with a ticket as a Christmas present and brought me to Toronto so we could watch them play in person.

Why should non-footy fans in Toronto care about the World Cup? There’s an intensity and passion at a soccer match that you don’t see anywhere else, and when the World Cup comes around, the atmosphere is even more special.