World Cup in Toronto

A Photographer's Search for World Cup Fans in Toronto
About the Project
Introduction

Project Scope

While the anticipation and excitement over Toronto hosting the World Cup in 2026 is understandable, Toronto has always been an amazing place to experience the World Cup.

This website is evidence to that.  A photographic journey documenting the thousands of fans from all over the world who watch the World Cup every four years in and around Toronto with as much passion and energy as any city in the world.

From solitary fans in their homes and businesses, to hundreds crammed into bars and convention centres, this collection of images transcends borders and nationalism, sport and spectatorship, it speaks to the passion and love of sport, no matter the colour of the flag or the success of a team. 

In total, I have found fans from 55 countries cheering on their team within the GTA.This project is evidence that Toronto has always been one of the best cities in the world to watch the World Cup and will be an incredible host to the most popular tournament in the world in 2026.

55 Countries

From Algeria to Uruguay, from Iceland to Egypt, explore the World Cup with fans from 55 countries in Toronto.

5 Tournaments

See how the fans, the televisions, the cameras have changed over time with a timeline of the five tournaments.

Map of Locations

Discover where fans were photographed in the GTA, and where they are likely to watch in 2026.

Media

Watch CBC television segments covering the project, a pretty decent place to start if you still don't understand the project.

World Cup in Toronto Highlights:

Highlights

Croatia - 2018

Huge turn out, dramatic game, amazing run, probably my favourite game ever.

Explore GameCroatia - All Games

Highlights

Iran - 2018

With a huge population of Iranians in the city, the Iran games are definitely passionate and packed. Great evironments. Love them.

Explore GameIran - All Games

Highlights

Ghana - 2014

Epic game, back and forth.

Explore GameGhana - All Games

Highlights

Slovenia - 2010

Epic game, back and forth. TUBA!

Explore Game

Highlights

Canada - 2022

Most anticipated game. Pretty disappointing.

Explore Game

A World in a City

Toronto has it all, and fans from every corner of the world. Having the World Cup in Toronto makes perfect sense!

Italy World Cup 2006 Celebration College Street Toronto

Find a Tournament

Epic matches from five tournaments dating back to 2006, relive the highlights and lowlights of previous years. 

By Tournament
Toronto World Cup Fans 2018

Find a Country

Looking for posts about specific countries, we have a list for you. 

By Country
Uraguay 2010 World Cup Toronto

Find a location

Looking for viewing locations or fans near you? We’ve got a map of all the locations we’ve shot. Come back for updates on 2026 venues. 

By Location

A World in a City

55 Coutries - 5 Tournaments

Algeria 2010
Angola 2006
Argentina 2022, 2014, 2006
Australia 2006
Belgium 2018, 2014
Bosnia & Herzegovina 2014
Brazil 2018, 2014, 2006
Cameroon 2014, 2010
Canada 2022
Chile 2014, 2010
Columbia 2014
Costa Rica 2006
Cote d'Ivoire 2006
Croatia 2018, 2014, 2006
Czech Republic 2006
Denmark 2010, 2022
Ecuador 2006, 2022
Egypt 2018
Egland 2006, 2018, 2022
France 2018, 2010, 2006
Germany 2018, 2014, 2006
Ghana 2014, 2006
Greece 2014, 2010
Honduras 2010
Iceland 2018
Iran 2018, 2014, 2006
Italy 2010, 2006
Japan 2006
Mexico 2014, 2006
Morocco 2022, 2018
Netherlands 2010, 2006
New Zealand 2010
Nigeria 2014, 2010
Panama 2018
Paruguay 2006
Peru 2018
Poland 2022, 2006
Portugal 2018, 2010, 2006
Russia 2018, 2014
Saudi Arabia 2018, 2006
Senegal 2022, 2018
Serbia 2010, 2006
Slovakia 2010
Slovenia 2010
South Africa 2010
South Korea 2006
Spain 2018, 2006
Sweden 2018, 2006
Switzerland 2018, 2006
Togo 2006
Trinidad & Tobago 2006
Tunisia 2006
Ukraine 2006
United States 2014, 2010, 2006
Uruguay 2014, 2010
Locations:
View World Cup Venues in Toronto in a larger map

World Cup Viewing Venues in Toronto - 2006-2018

Even if you don’t get a ticket in 2026, there are so many great places to watch the World Cup in Toronto.  The map above shows all the locations I’ve found fans from one of the 55 countries in the GTA. While a lot of the venues are no longer in business, the geographic regions will give you a starting point. 

With the exception of 2006, I did not have the time or energy to photograph every country each year. Instead, I focus primarily on the teams I have never photographed. Below is a list of the countries I photographed for each year and the corresponding colour for that year. 

2006 - Red Arrows

Angola, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Iran, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Paraguay, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Serbia & Montenegro, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Ukraine, United States

2010 - Green Arrows

Algeria, Cameroon, Chile, Denmark, Greece, Honduras, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Uraguay

2014 - Yellows Arrows

Argentina, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Croatia, Colombia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, Uruguay, United States

2018 - Blue Arrows

Belgium, Brazil, Croatia, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Iceland, Iran, Morocco, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland

Recent Posts:
Media:

Pretty fun media coverage of the project over the years, but the funnest one had to be the clip below, from the 2010 World Cup. Check out more information on the about the project page. 

Timeline:
2006
Italy World Cup 2006 Celebration College Street Toronto
2006 World Cup

Joseph found and photographed all 32 teams in the 2006 World Cup. Highlights include many moments, but Italy fans on College Street after winning was unforgettable. 

2010
World Cup in Toronto - Fans from All World Cup Countries in GTA
2010 World Cup

Netherlands loses in the final.

2014
2014 World Cup

More great photos from the 2014 World Cup.

2018
Toronto World Cup Fans 2018
2018 World Cup

This year was special, with surprise entries like Iceland, and the Cinderella story of Croatia, I was at the right place at the right time this year! 

2022

World Cup in Toronto on Instagram

I’m counting down the days until the 2026 World Cup with a photo a day on Instagram.  Follow me @worldcupto and check in everyday to see another gather of fans in the GTA over the 20 year project. 

World Cup 2026 Countdown:

Days
Hours
Minutes