The 2026 FIFA World Cup has brought excitement to watchers all over the world, but for people whose countries are playing, it’s also deepening connection and belonging to their home team.
This World Cup has been historic in various ways — from breaking records to dramatically altering the vibes of host cities, including Toronto.
Walking near The Bentway or around Sankofa Square, you’ll notice cleaner streets and more frequent transit — all to manage and present the city in the best way possible.
Of course, some Torontonians are frustrated that the city only cleans when prompted like this — but if you get to know the locals and strangers travelling downtown, you’ll see how similar we truly all are.
So we’ve chatted with FIFA lovers that ventured into our beloved city — at watch parties, randomly on the street or at marches before games — and the sentiment remains the same: people are proud and ecstatic to be represented.
Arijana Bradley, a Bosnian-American, says her country being represented in the World Cup means everything.
“This is huge for my people, my country,” she says. “It’s been a long time so I’m really rooting for them.”
Curious to see what other people felt about seeing their country in the World Cup? Check out our video down below.
Want to see all the best FIFA World Cup fan outfits in Toronto? Check out this photo essay we did at The Green Line. We have even more World Cup-related coverage, check it out, below.
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