Pro-Croatia crowd at Toronto Stadium celebrates win over Panama to keep World Cup hopes alive

Croatia could still advance to the knockout stage, thanks to a 1-0 win over Panama at Toronto Stadium on Tuesday night.

With the loss, Panama is eliminated from the quadrennial soccer contest.

Croatia, ranked 15^th, entered tonight’s contest as the favourite to the Panamanian underdogs (ranked 40^th).

Croatia now sits third in Group L with three points, behind Ghana and England. Those teams both have four points following a scoreless draw on Tuesday afternoon.

Croatia will face Ghana in its final group stage match, while England will play Panama.

FULL COVERAGE:

• The GTHA has the largest Croatian community in North America. Tuesday’s World Cup stop in Toronto will be ‘emotional,’ fans say
• Panama, Croatia face must-win game tonight in Toronto
• Croatia stays alive for World Cup knockout round and eliminates Panama with 1-0 win

Tuesday’s was the fourth one hosted at Toronto Stadium in this year’s World Cup. The city will host its final group stage match on Friday between Senegal and Iraq.

Our live coverage has ended. Here’s a recap of the event:

9:44 p.m. - Croatia fans emotional after win vs Panama

In an interview with CP24 reporter Phil Perkins, one Croatian fan said the win made her family feel “very emotional.”

“Our parents are immigrants to Canada, and it was such a surreal feeling being there and singing those chants,” she said.

Another fan said, “I’m Canadian, a real Canadian, but when football comes, I’m Croatian in my heart.”

- Joshua McGinnis, CTVNewsToronto.ca journalist

9:25 p.m. - Getting out of the stadium

Metrolinx has been limiting access to Exhibition Station as the platform fills and thousands of fans continue to flood the station following matches.

When the platform is at capacity, an announcement is made—often in multiple languages, including Spanish—and riders are not allowed to proceed towards the station.

Trains are running every 15 minutes on the Lakeshore West and Lakeshore East lines as part of increased service for the World Cup and while there is significant crowding on the platforms, things appear to be running smoothly tonight.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

9:04 p.m. - Croatia players salute fans

Most fans still remain in their seats five minutes following the conclusion of this game, as the Croatian team applauds supporters from the pitch.

The players have walked from one end of the pitch to the other as they salute a largely pro-Croatia crowd in attendance tonight that was loud from the jump. Croatian soccer legend Luka Modric has gotten the biggest roar from the crowd as the fans again chant “Luka, Luka.”

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

8:56 p.m. - Croatia gets three points

Croatia has eliminated Panama from the World Cup following a 1-0 win at Toronto Stadium.

Croatia, which is in third place in Group L, will face Ghana next.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

8:45 p.m. - “Luka, Luka” chants

Loud chants of “Luka, Luka” inside Toronto Stadium as Croatian soccer legend Luka Modric is subbed out of the game in the 81st minute.

Modric has played in five World Cups for Croatia and at 40 years old, this is widely expected to be his last.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

8:41 p.m. – Police arrest man for unauthorized drone use

Toronto police say they have seized a drone flying near Toronto Stadium during tonight’s game at Toronto Stadium.

The unauthorized drone was intercepted by TPS officers after it was detected flying near Ontario Place Blvd. at Remembrance Dr. at 7:45 p.m.

Police said an individual was charged under the Canadian Aviation Regulations.

This marks the 15th time Toronto police have intercepted a drone since the start of the 2026 World Cup.

- Joshua McGinnis, CTVNewsToronto.ca journalist

8:38 p.m. - Another sold-out crowd

It’s a full house at Toronto Stadium with 43,036 fans in attendance.

The first two matches at Toronto Stadium were just shy of an official sellout but the last two featuring two premier teams in Germany and now Croatia have hit that threshold.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

8:22 p.m. - Goal for Croatia

Croatia fans appeared to fill the entire southern end of Toronto Stadium and erupted after substitute Ante Budimir scored a goal on that net to give Croatia a 1-0 lead in the 53rd minute.

Most Croatian fans remain on their feet moments after that goal and there is a joyous mood inside the stadium.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

7:48 p.m. - Scoreless at halftime

It’s halftime at Toronto Stadium. Croatia largely controlled play in the first half, possessing the ball for 64 per cent of the match so far. But they only have two shots on goal to show for it and Panama supporters have gotten louder inside as the game has gone on.

Here’s a look at the official mascots of this World Cup - Maple the Moose (Canada), Zayu the Jaguar (Mexico) and Clutch the Bald Eagle (U.S.).

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

7:28 p.m. - Boos during hydration break

Fans inside Toronto Stadium are once again booing the hydration break, which was introduced for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and has continued at this tournament, despite the lack of the oppressive temperatures that made it necessary in Qatar.

Fans have consistently booed the regular hydration breaks throughout all Toronto matches so far. There are two hydration breaks mandated for each match by FIFA and they are taken midway through each half.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

7:24 p.m. - Toronto Stadium packed

There doesn’t appear to be any empty seats inside Toronto Stadium tonight. After the first two matches in Toronto failed to sell out, there was some concern that the high ticket prices would keep fans away. But that hasn’t been the case, with the remainder of the ticket inventory available for Toronto disappearing as soon as the tournament got underway.

This Croatia-Panama game was one of the more in-demand matches slated for Toronto, with Croatia currently ranked #15 in the world and having a large and vocal fan base in the GTHA.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

7:03 p.m. - Match underway

6:56 p.m. - Panama supporters sing national anthem

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

6:52 p.m. - Flags of Panama and Croatia on the field as game about to start

Flags have been unfurled on the field and this match is moments away. The entire stadium is now on its feet.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

6:49 p.m. - Croatia supporters making a serious statement

Of the four World Cup matches hosted here so far, this may be the loudest national anthem response yet.

As Croatia’s anthem played, thousands of supporters throughout the stadium joined in, creating a wall of sound that echoed around the venue and drew applause when it concluded.

- Jermaine Wilson, CTVNewsToronto.ca journalist

6:47 p.m. - Croatian supporters get loud

Croatia fans are singing in unison as anticipation builds for the match. It’s extremely loud inside Toronto Stadium, with an almost home-match advantage for Croatia.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

6:41 p.m. - Croatia players get huge cheers

As Croatian players are being introduced on stadium screens, a huge round of applause can be heard from the largely pro-Croatia crowd.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

6:10 p.m. - Panama players warming up

Panama has taken the field at Toronto Stadium. Many Panama supporters in the south end zone are on their feet.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

6:06 p.m. - More Croatia supporters in stadium

It appears to be a largely pro-Croatia crowd in Toronto Stadium tonight but there are pockets of Panama supporters throughout the venue.

It’s a must-win game of sorts for both teams. Croatia lost its opener to England 4-2 while Panama lost in heartbreaking fashion to Ghana in stoppage time in Toronto last week. With Ghana earning another point in a scoreless draw with England today, Croatia will need three points to keep pace in Group L.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

6:01 p.m. - Fans line up for merch

There is a steady lineup for merchandise at Toronto Stadium tonight. FIFA sells team-specific merchandise for each Toronto match.

Tonight a Panama jersey will cost fans $180 or $165 for a youth-sized jersey. Croatia jerseys are for sale for $130 to $160. A custom Panama-Croatia scarf is going for $63.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

5:43 p.m. - Less than two hours before match

The Toronto Stadium stands are beginning to fill for the fourth World Cup match in the city.

It is the second match featuring Panama, which has been staying in New Tecumseth throughout the tournament, the only Ontario-based World Cup team.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

5:39 p.m. - Scenes at Croatia fan march

5:36 p.m. - Croatian captain arrives

Croatia’s captain Luka Modric has arrived at Toronto Stadium ahead of his team’s match against Panama.

5:26 p.m. - Packed crowd going into stadium

Croatia supporters are slowly making their way to the stadium with 90 minutes still to go before kickoff.

It’s shoulder-to-shoulder along Saskatchewan Road and the crowd is very slow moving.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

5:21 p.m. - Panama v Croatia could turn into a big street party

As supporters of Panama and Croatia begin arriving at Toronto Stadium, the match could be the most festive and loudest.

It already feels like the biggest street party in Toronto history.

- Phil Perkins, CP24 anchor and reporter

5:18 p.m. - Red and white checkered jerseys take over Toronto streets

Wearing the red and white checkered jerseys, Croatia supporters are chanting loudly and beating drums as they march through Toronto streets.

5:10 p.m. - Croatia fan march underway

Thousands of Croatia supporters are making their way along Saskatchewan Road to Toronto stadium now.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

5:01 p.m. - 100-metre flag unfurled

Croatia supporters have unfurled a 100-metre flag ahead of a march to the stadium along Saskatchewan Road.

Thousands appear to be here, some carrying red flares.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

4:49 p.m. - Croatia supporters get ready for march

Croatia supporters have gathered south of the Dufferin Gate, where they are expected to soon unfurl a 100-metre flag that was also carried through the streets ahead of the team’s match against England in Dallas last week.

The march is not expected to interrupt traffic, as it will largely take place along closed roads near Toronto Stadium.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

4:42 p.m. - Party at Croatia House ahead of kickoff

Supporters gathered at Croatia House, which is located at the Toronto Event Centre, are singing and dancing hours before kickoff.

4:25 p.m. - Toronto Stadium gates open

It’s still three hours to kickoff. But the gates have opened at Toronto Stadium and fans are already starting to head inside.

A steady stream of fans appears to be making their way to the stadium from Exhibition Station, most of them wearing the distinct red and white jerseys of Croatia. The GTA is home to the largest Croatian community in North America, according to the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce. About 130,000 Croatians call Canada home.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

4:10 p.m. - Portugal fans in Toronto react to win

Portugal supporters at the FIFA Fan Festival in Toronto are rejoicing following their team’s dominant win over Uzbekistan.

- Phil Perkins, CP24 anchor and reporter

4:02 p.m. - Panama march concluding

Here is the view as the tail end of the Panama fan march makes its way south to Toronto Stadium. The march seems to be dismantling as it makes its way towards Exhibition Place, though traffic remains fully blocked south of Wellington.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

3:49 p.m. - Sights and sounds from Panama fan march

Panama fans are in a celebratory mood as they continue to make their way to Toronto Stadium. There is singing, dancing, jumping and chanting.

3:40 p.m. - A sea of red, blue and white

This is the scene at Strachan Avenue and Ordnance Street where Panama supporters have again stopped and are singing in the intersection.

Thousands appear to have gathered here, with previous police estimates pegging the number at 3,000.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

3:32 p.m. - Significant police presence during march

A significant police presence lines Strachan Avenue as the Panama march heads south of Wellington Avenue.

Strachan Avenue has now reopened north of King Street.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

3:30 p.m. - Friendly exchanges with Croatian fans

A small number of Croatian supporters are present along the march route and some good-natured exchanges have taken place between supporters.

The Croatia fan march is set to begin at 5 p.m. at the Toronto Event Centre on Saskatchewan Road.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

3:55 p.m. - Inside of a Portugal watch party

The energy was through the roof at Bairrada Churrasqueira in Toronto’s Little Portugal neighbourhood.

From grandkids to grandparents, fans of every generation flooded the patio to watch Portugal take on Uzbekistan, who thwarted the team 5-0. Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo scored early, becoming the first player to score a goal in six different World Cups.

- Jessica Smith, CTV News Toronto

3:27 p.m. - Intersection blocked for celebration

Traffic is fully blocked at Strachan Avenue and King Street as Panama supporters holding the national flag and wearing team scarves celebrate in the intersection, many stopping to sing and chant in circles.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

3:19 p.m. - Huge crowd for Panama march

The Panama fan march is so large that it has taken about 15 minutes for the crowd to fully clear Trinity Bellwoods Park.

The march is making its way south of Queen Street and Strachan Avenue now and the intersection should be reopening soon, though traffic will remain blocked along the remainder of Strachan Avenue.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

3:15 p.m. - Panama flag unfurled

Panama supporters have unfurled a giant flag along Strachan Avenue. As they make their way to Coronation Park, the fans are chanting “olé, olé,” and the mood is decidedly festive.

Currently the crowd spans from Queen Street West to King Street along Strachan Avenue.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

3:13 p.m. - What roads are closed

Traffic is currently blocked on Strachan Avenue south of Queen Street West as Panama supporters march to the stadium.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

3:11 p.m. - 3K participating in Panama march

An estimated 3,000 Panama supporters have begun their march down Strachan Avenue.

Almost all of them are singing and chanting in unison, led by a minivan clad in the Panama flag that is providing the soundtrack.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

3:09 p.m. - Panama march about to get underway

Police are beginning to assemble at the front of Trinity Bellwoods Park and the Panama fan march down Strachan Avenue appears to be moments from starting.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

3:05 p.m. - Why this Panama resident

Alfred Hernandez travelled to Toronto from Panama with his family to see the national team take the pitch twice at Toronto Stadium. He plans to travel to New York for the team’s final match.

He says the people of Toronto are “good” and “very charming.”

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

2:50 p.m. - Crowd of Panama fans grows to the thousands

More and more Panama supporters are filing into Trinity Bellwoods ahead of the fan march.

Toronto police say as many as 3,000 fans are expected to take part.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

2:45 p.m. - ‘Ole, ole, ole, Panama, Panama’

“Ole, ole, ole, Panama, Panama” chants are breaking out at Trinity Bellwoods Park as supporters prepare for the fan march.

This is Panama’s second-ever World Cup appearance. The Central American squad has only scored twice and hasn’t picked up a point in four previous World Cup matches.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

2:30 p.m. - Panama fans flock to Trinity Bellwoods

Panama supporters have begun gathering in Trinity Bellwoods Park prior to a 3 p.m. march to Coronation Park.

Hundreds of supporters are already here and police say they expect an estimated 3,000 people to march down Strachan Avenue.

Panama is the only team to play twice in Toronto, having lost to Ghana 1-0 at Toronto Stadium last week.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

2 p.m. - Road closures in effect

The city has shut down much of the area surrounding Toronto Stadium at Exhibition Place and the FIFA Fan Festival at Fort York.

Lake Shore Boulevard West from Bathurst Street to British Columbia Road is now closed. This closure takes effect on all of Toronto’s game days, starting five hours before kickoff and ending three hours after the final whistle. Roads are expected to reopen at midnight.

Manitoba Drive and most of Strachan Avenue is also closed. Traffic between Dufferin Street and Strachan, north of the Gardiner Expressway, is limited to local traffic only.

Toronto police have said that additional road closures may take effect as fan marches get underway this afternoon.

In addition to the World Cup-related road closures, Bremner Boulevard is also closed between Lower Simcoe Street and Navy Wharf Crescent for the Toronto Blue Jays home game at Rogers Centre. That closure will lift at 8 p.m.

- Phil Tsekouras, CTV News Toronto Journalist

1 p.m. - More than 3,000 Panama fans expected at march

Toronto police say they’re expecting as many as 3,000 people to take part in the Panama fan march.

The group will meet at Trinity Bellwoods Park for 3 p.m. before marching south on Strachan Avenue. The march will end at Coronation Park.

Road closures will be in effect for the march and police said motorists should expect traffic delays in the area.

Last week, an estimated 5,000 Panama supporters marched to Toronto Stadium ahead of the team’s match with Ghana.

- Phil Tsekouras, CTV News Toronto Journalist

12:45 p.m. – Croatia fans spotted near Toronto Stadium

A handful of fans donning Croatia’s red-and-white checkers were seen outside Toronto Stadium hours before kickoff.

Most will head to the Toronto Event Centre, temporarily dubbed “Croatia House,” for a pre-party before the fan march at 5 p.m.

- Rahim Ladhani, CTV News Toronto Video Journalist

12:20 p.m. - Ghanaian fans set to take over Sankofa Square again

In other Group L action, Ghana will take on England at 4 p.m. in Boston, and fans of the African Black Stars are planning on taking over Sankofa Square a second time.

Members of the Ghanaian diaspora braved the rain and flooded the downtown square last week following Ghana’s victory over Panama in stoppage time.

“Just days after Ghana’s dramatic victory over Panama sparked celebrations that spilled into the streets around Sankofa Square and prompted temporary road closures, the Square is poised to come alive again,” organizers of today’s rally said in a news release describing today’s watch party.

The event starts at 2 p.m.

- Phil Tsekouras, CTV News Toronto Journalist

12:15 p.m. – Match appears to be sold out

Fans hoping to grab a last-minute ticket to tonight’s game might be out of luck.

As of 12 p.m., there are no tickets available for the match through FIFA’s official ticketing platform and only a single $805 seat listed for sale on FIFA’s resale platform.

There are still a small number of tickets available for purchase on other resale platforms but prices mostly start at $1,000.

The first two World Cup games in Toronto were not officially sold out, though they came close. Saturday’s Germany-Ivory Coast match was an official sold out, with more than 43,000 fans inside Toronto Stadium.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

12 p.m. – ‘Picture perfect’ conditions for kickoff‘

“Picture perfect.”

That is CP24 Meteorologist Bill Coulter’s forecast for the conditions during tonight’s game.

After rain interrupted another match featuring Panama last week in Toronto, Coulter says tonight’s conditions will be decidedly better with sunny skies and no chance of precipitation.

“We are hitting a high this afternoon of 25 C and by game time at 7 p.m. it will probably be 23 C with a dry breeze out of the northwest. So it will be comfortable and that is great news for the players and for spectators, even if you are not at the stadium but at many of the watch parties around town,” Coulter says.

Environment Canada says that there will be winds of 20 km/h that will gust up to 40 km/h tonight, likely making it feel a touch cooler at Toronto Stadium than it otherwise would.

The temperature will dip down to a low of 14 C overnight.

- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer for CP24 and CTV News Toronto

11:45 a.m. – ‘Leave the drone at home’: Toronto police

Toronto police are reminding the public that drones are prohibited over Toronto Stadium and the FIFA Fan Festival.

“Flying a drone in this area comes with serious penalties. Leave the drone at home,” they said in a social media post.

• READ MORE: ‘No drones. No exceptions,’ say Toronto police after 2 more people charged for flying devices at FIFA sites

Police said that as of June 10, at least 15 people have been charged for unauthorized drone use.

- Phil Tsekouras, CTV News Toronto Journalist

11:30 a.m. - 511 Bathurst bypassing some stops post-match

The TTC says transit riders taking the 511 Bathurst post-match should know some stops won’t be serviced.

“After each match, northbound 511 Bathurst streetcars will bypass all stops on Bathurst Street between Fleet Street and King Street West,” the TTC said in a tweet Tuesday.

Customers with accessibility needs will be accommodated as requested.

- Phil Tsekouras, CTV News Toronto Journalist

11 a.m. – Rush-hour fan marches could cause headaches for drivers

Thousands of fans of both squads are expected to hit the streets in the hours leading up to kickoff.

The Panama fan march will start at 3 p.m., beginning at Trinity Bellwoods Park. The group will then walk southbound on Strachan Avenue to Coronation Park.

The Croatians will start at the Toronto Event Centre, temporarily rebranded as “Croatia House,” at 5:30 p.m., before walking along Saskatchewan Road to Princes’ Blvd to Manitoba Drive to Nova Scotia Avenue.

Road closures will be in effect.

Last week, an estimated 5,000 Panama supporters marched to Toronto Stadium ahead of the team’s match with Ghana.

An estimated 130,000 people of Croatian descent live in Canada, with many of them residing in the GTA.

- Phil Tsekouras, CTV News Toronto Journalist