Soccer-Ghana, Panama fans throng Toronto streets ahead of World Cup clash


Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group L - Ghana v Panama - Panama fans marching to Toronto stadium - Toronto, Canada - June 17, 2026 Panama fans march to the stadium before the match REUTERS/Carlos Osorio

TORONTO, June 17 (Reuters) - Boisterous fansof Ghana and ⁠Panama marched to Toronto Stadium to root for their ‌teams in the World Cup Group L clash wearing traditional dress and waving flags, determined not to let high ticket prices and gloomy weather ​dampen their spirits.

Wearing an ornate headdress ⁠made of beads and feathers, ⁠Wisdom Atakuma was in a celebratory mode and excited to ⁠finally ‌fulfil his dream of seeing Ghana play.

"No African country has won it (World Cup) before and... I pray ⁠that maybe God will bring it to Ghana," ​he said, ‌holding a poster that took a cheeky dig at ⁠Ghanaian President ​John Mahama for allegedly promising free tickets.

Black Stars supporter Ahosua Addowaa is not going to let the disappointment of being unable ⁠to afford tickets get in the way ​of having a good time.

"I will just stand outside (the stadium) and support. Look at us, we are here," she said.

Los Canaleros ⁠fan Ramon Diaz has called Canada home for four years but expects to be overcome by emotion when Panama's anthem is played at the stadium.

"Historic day, I don't think ​I have ever seen these many Panamanians ⁠outside of Panama," he said.

Antoine Semenyo will lead the attack ​for Ghana while leading midfielder Adalberto ‌Carrasquilla is on the bench for ​Panama.

The teams are grouped with England and Croatia.

(Reporting by Bhargav Acharya in Toronto, editing by Ed Osmond)

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