Toronto hosts Portugal vs. Croatia as its final 2026 FIFA World Cup match today

By Liam Tremblay — 2 July 2026 — 3 min read

Toronto Prepares for Final World Cup Match

Toronto is hosting its sixth and final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup today, featuring a significant encounter between Portugal and Croatia. This match holds particular importance as it could be the last World Cup appearance for two prominent players, Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Luka Modrić of Croatia. Ronaldo, at 41, has indicated this is his final World Cup, while Modrić, 40, is reportedly considering retirement.

The city has been bustling with activity leading up to the 7 p.m. kickoff. Portugal, ranked eighth globally by FIFA, is considered the favourite to win the match, while Croatia is ranked 13th.

Fan Enthusiasm Amidst Heat Wave

Despite a heat wave affecting Toronto, with temperatures reaching 34 C and a humidex of 43, fans have shown immense enthusiasm. Thousands of Portugal supporters have participated in a fan march, painting the streets of downtown Toronto in red and green as they made their way to the stadium. The march began at Stanley Park and proceeded to Coronation Park, causing road closures on King Street West and Strachan Avenue.

Firefighters were seen spraying water on fans along the route to help them cope with the sweltering conditions. Two fire trucks were stationed to provide relief to the marching crowds. Many fans, including Austin Demelo and Stef-Han Singh who drove from Brantford, Ont., travelled to Toronto specifically for the atmosphere, even if they did not have tickets to the match itself. They planned to attend the Fan Fest.

Similarly, Fabio and Nicholas, a father-son duo, drove four hours from Leamington, Ont., without tickets, aiming to experience the vibrant atmosphere and witness a Portugal victory. Crowds also gathered outside the hotel where Team Portugal is staying, hoping to catch a glimpse of Ronaldo and the squad, leading to road closures on Bremner Boulevard and Grand Truck Crescent due to high pedestrian traffic.

Croatia supporters have also started gathering at Croatia House, located at the Toronto Event Centre, enjoying music, food, and drinks. Wanita Kelava of the Canadian Croatian Chamber of Commerce expressed anticipation for a historic battle on the field.

City Adjustments and Safety Measures

Due to the extreme heat forecast, the city of Toronto cancelled its FIFA World Cup broadcast at Nathan Phillips Square for Thursday, July 2. This decision was made in response to an orange heat warning issued by Environment Canada, with maximum temperatures expected between 34 and 37 C. The cancellation also considered the resources required to manage large crowds safely at fan marches, Toronto Stadium, and the FIFA Fan Festival Toronto.

Despite the cancellation of the broadcast at Nathan Phillips Square, other venues in Little Portugal on Dundas Street West are showing the game. Organizers of the FIFA Toronto Fan Festival are advising attendees to take precautions against the heat, including bringing plastic water bottles for refilling at water stations and utilizing misting stations at the Fort York Visitors Centre. Medical staff are also on site.

Several major roads around Toronto Stadium and the FIFA Fan Festival have been closed, including Lake Shore Boulevard from British Columbia Road to Bathurst Street, and all streets between Lake Shore and the Gardiner Expressway from Dufferin to Bathurst. Strachan Avenue and Dufferin Street are also closed, with closures expected to lift at midnight tonight. Additionally, police have issued warnings regarding unauthorized drone operations near Toronto Stadium and the FIFA Fan Festival, with 20 individuals charged since the tournament began last month.

Toronto’s aquatic pundit, a goldfish known as Swimbappe, predicted that Portugal will advance to the Round of 16.

Source: cp24.com