Slight downpour at Toronto Stadium as Panama plays Ghana; GO Transit offering late-night service. Live updates here.

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Toronto is hosting its second World Cup match tonight.

The 34th-ranked Panama is taking on 73rd-ranked Ghana for their 2026 tournament debut. Their Group L competitors also include heavyweights England and Croatia, who played in Dallas, Texas, this afternoon. England beat Croatia 4-2.

Ghana has lost four of its last five friendly matches. Meanwhile, Panama came away with two wins and two draws over its last five exhibition matches.

Panama’s fans gathered in Trinity Bellwoods Park before marching to Coronation Park at 3 p.m. A march in support of the Black Stars, the nickname for the African nation’s soccer squad, departed from Stanley Park at 4:15 p.m.

GO Transit says it is offering additional late night train service for the match.

CTV News Toronto and CP24 have live updates leading up to and following kickoff Follow along here:

7:10 p.m. - Rain isn’t stopping fans’ excitement

While rain is beginning to fall on fans at Toronto Stadium, many remain excited as the match is underway.

Earlier today, Environment Canada issued a special weather statement due to a “low-pressure system.”

Toronto could see up to 40 millimetres of rainfall tonight and into Thursday morning, Environment Canada said.

It says that there is also the “potential for severe thunderstorms late this evening and overnight.” CP24 Metrologist Bill Coulter says that the storm is not likely to intensify until around 11 p.m.

- Jermaine Wilson and Joshua McGinnis, CTV News Toronto journalists

7 p.m. - Group L match underway

Panama and Ghana have begun their World Cup tournament at Toronto Stadium. Panama is looking to get its first-ever World Cup point while Ghana is hoping to advance to the knockout round for the first time since 2010.

6:52 p.m. - Pre-match music delights fans

Music from Panama and Ghana can be heard in the stadium minutes before the match, hyping up the supporters of both nations.

- Phil Perkins, CP24 reporter

6:48 p.m. - More Fan Fest tickets available

If you’re looking for a last-minute viewing party, Toronto has dropped free general admission for today’s FIFA Fan Festival.

6:45 p.m. - Ghana supporters bring energy

Ghana supporters are dancing and waving flags in their seats with minutes left until the start of the match.

- Jermaine Wilson, CTV News Toronto Journalist

6:30 p.m. - Panama players take the pitch

With less than an hour till kickoff, the players of Panama has taken the pitch at Toronto Stadium to the delight of their supporters.

- Jermaine Wilson, CTV News Toronto Journalist

6:14 p.m. - Stadium food prices a hot topic

Food prices at the stadium continue to be a hot topic. If you want chicken tenders and fries, it will cost you $28.53 after tax. Drinks or chips are not included.

If you’ve been to the matches at Toronto Stadium, what do you think about the concession prices. Share your story by emailing us at [e-mail] with your name, general location, and a phone number in case we want to follow up. Your comments may be used in a future story.

- Jermaine Wilson, CTV News Toronto Journalist

5:40 p.m. - Kardinal Offishall at Toronto FIFA Fan Festival

Over at the Toronto FIFA Fan Festival, fans are watching the England vs. Croatia match. Canadian-born rapper and producer Kardinal Offishall is DJing the event and spoke to CP24, sharing his excitement about atmosphere at the event.

“This is one of the most exciting games that has happened in the tournament so far,” he said. “The energy is wild.”

He added, “I love the way Toronto is represented.”

“I don’t know if in my lifetime we’re going to get the chance to host this again.”

- Joshua McGinnis, CTV News Toronto journalist

5:28 p.m. - Fans trickling into stadium

Fans are beginning to trickle into Toronto Stadium ahead of tonight’s Ghana vs. Panama game. It’s early, but so far there seem to be more red Panama jerseys in the crowd, though there are a number of Ghana fans sporting yellow jerseys and the red, yellow and green stripes of the Ghana flag.

And while they’re rivals tonight, a lot of fans are taking pictures with each other and taking in the atmosphere of their teams’ opening World Cup match!

- Heather Wright, CTV News Senior Correspondent

5:25 p.m. – Enhanced late night GO Transit service

Metrolinx will be offering additional late night GO Train service due to the Ghana-Panama match.

Officials say that the last train on the Lakeshore West line will depart Union Station as late as 12:47 a.m. and Exhibition Station at 12:55 a.m.

The last train on the UP Express will leave Union Station as late as 1:45 a.m.

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

5:22 p.m. - Merch prices at FIFA store

If you are looking to buy World Cup merchandise at Toronto Stadium, a shirt could cost you between $60 and $100 while hats start at $50.

- Jermaine Wilson, CTV News Toronto Journalist

5:15 p.m. - Ghana supporters from New Jersey

Albert and Naana Ashong drove from New Jersey to Toronto to see the Black Stars play. It’s also their first time in the city.

“I’m super excited to see the Black Stars win,” Naana says. “I’m happy to be here.”

Albert says he is surprised to see the number the Panama supporters.

“Although the Black Stars fans are few, (the match) will be determined on the field,” he says. “I’m sure we’ll come up with the W.”

- Jermaine Wilson, CTV News Toronto Journalist

5 p.m. – Ghana departs for Toronto Stadium

The Ghana Black Stars have shared images of members of the team departing the Delta Toronto ahead of their 7 p.m. match against Panama at Toronto Stadium.

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

4:56 p.m. - Inside Toronto Stadium ahead of the match

Fans are slowly making their way into the stands at Toronto Stadium ahead of the match.

- Jermaine Wilson, CTV News Toronto Journalist

4:45 p.m. - Fan travels from N.B. to Toronto

Nana Wilberforce, who travelled from New Brunswick, says his group paid about $600 each to watch Ghana’s match tonight.

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Wilberforce says. He predicts that Ghana will win 2-1 against Panama.

- Jermaine Wilson, CTV News Toronto Journalist

4:40 p.m. – Ghana Black Stars party with World Cup legend

The Ghana Black Stars have shared footage on social media of members of the team participating in a “Jama session” with Ghana soccer legend Asamoah Gyan.

The video appears to have been taken inside the Delta Toronto, where the team has been staying ahead of its match with Panama.

Asamoah Gyan is a former captain of the Ghana national team. He scored six World Cup goals over the course of his career, making him Africa’s top goal-scorer at the tournament.

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

4:27 p.m. - A sea of yellow

Fans of the Black Stars, the name of Ghana’s national soccer team, are showing their national pride. The sounds of drums and chants fill the streets of downtown Toronto.

- Jermaine Wilson, CTV News Toronto Journalist

4:19 p.m. - Ghana fan march underway

Ghana supporters have begun their march from Stanley Park to Coronation Park.

Hundreds of fans are currently headed westbound along King Street.

Police have warned drivers to expect traffic delays in the area.

The TTC has also said that service on the 504 King streetcar could be impacted.

- Jermaine Wilson, CTV News Toronto Journalist

4:15 p.m. – Ghana fans chant and sing in Stanley Park

Ghana fans are chanting and singing in Stanley Park as they prepare to march to Toronto Stadium ahead of tonight’s World Cup match.

- Rahim Ladhani, CTV News Toronto journalist

4:10 p.m. – Large Ghana watch party planned for Downsview Park

A Ghana watch party will be taking place at Zawadi Farm at Downsview Park for tonight’s match.

Organizer Ebenezer Oteng tells CP24 that the entire West African community in Toronto has come together for the occasion, which will include performances and a ticket giveaway for two lucky fans.

“The beautiful thing about Africa is everyone supports each country. So today it is not only for Ghana, we are going to be having different people. Even though Nigeria didn’t make it (to the World Cup) they are going to be coming out and supporting as well,” he said. “We will have people from young, to old, our elders, our aunties, the whole community is going to be coming together.”

Oteng said that the watch party at Downsview Park is one of about 30 events that have been organized in Toronto to celebrate the Black Stars run to the World Cup.“

Ghana plays on June 23 and June 27 and we will be doing events all in between across the city, from the west end to downtown,” he said.

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

4:07 p.m. - Ghana supporters buzzing

- Jermaine Wilson, CTV News Toronto Journalist

3:52 p.m. – Ghana supporters gather at Stanley Park

Supporters of Ghana are now gathering at Stanley Park before marching towards Toronto Stadium. Wearing their country’s colours and some holding their country’s flag, fans are singing, chanting and dancing.

- Jermaine Wilson, CTV News Toronto Journalist

3:38 p.m. - ‘Ole Ole Ole Ole, Panama, Panama’ chants break out

Panama fans draped with their national flag chant “Ole Ole Ole Ole, Panama, Panama” as they continue their journey towards Toronto Stadium.

Many fans are optimistic that Panama will beat Ghana and advance to the knockout round.

One fan even gave CP24 reporter Beatrice Vaisman a Panama bracelet along the route.

- Bryann Aguilar, CP24 journalist

3:29 p.m. – Up to 1,000 people to attend Ghana fan march; delays expected

Toronto police say that they are expecting 500 to 1,000 people to participate in a planned Ghana fan march downtown.

The march begins at Stanley Park at around 4:15 p.m. and is expected to head westbound along King Street before proceeding southbound on Strachan Avenue and ending at Coronation Park.

Police say that motorists should expect traffic delays in the area. The TTC has also warned of delays to the 504 King streetcar.

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

3:17 p.m. - A sea of red

As the Panama fan march is underway, more people have joined in, with a few blocks of Strachan Avenue now a sea of red.

- Jermaine Wilson, CTV News Toronto Journalist

3:15 p.m. - 501 Queen streetcar service resumes

Service was briefly halted on the 501 Queen streetcar due to a march by Panama supporters along Strachan Avenue. The TTC, however, says that full service has resumed.

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

3:10 p.m. - Panama fans dancing in the street

This is a view from Strachan Avenue as a Panama fan march takes over downtown Toronto. Police have said that an estimated 6,000 people are expected to march.

- Jermaine Wilson, CTV News Toronto Journalist

2:55 p.m. - Panama fan march underway, TTC delays possible

Thousands of supporters of Panama have begun a planned march to Coronation Park ahead of tonight’s FIFA World Cup game at Toronto Stadium.

The march started at Trinity Bellwoods Park and will be headed southbound on Strachan Avenue.

The TTC has warned that there could be delays to both the 501 Queen and 504 King streetcars as a result.

- Jermaine Wilson, CTV News Toronto Journalist

2:45 p.m. - 6,000 people could take part in Panama fan march

As many as 6,000 people are expected to take part in the Panama fan march towards Toronto Stadium.

Toronto police are advising drivers that road closures are in effect and that traffic delays should be expected.

- Phil Tsekouras, CTV News Toronto Journalist

2:35 p.m. – Emergency calls were elevated as World Cup got underway in Toronto

Toronto Paramedic Services did see an increase in call volumes as the World Cup got underway in the city last week.

A spokesperson says that emergency call volumes were up 18 per cent from the May average on Friday, which coincided with Canada’s World Cup opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina at Toronto Stadium.

Call volumes remained elevated on Saturday and were up six per cent. It should be noted that there were a number of other major events taking place in the city over the weekend, including the Taste of Little Italy and a Blue Jays homestand.

“TPS implemented several measures to support system capacity and maintain public safety, including proactive coordination with neighbouring paramedic services to provide coverage in areas near city boundaries on game days,” spokesperson Dineen Robinson told CTV News.

“Support from bordering services, dedicated event staffing, and upstaffing internal resources all played a key role in meeting the projected demand.”

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

2:30 p.m. - Some Panama fans travel thousands of kilometres for Toronto match

For some supporters, attending today’s World Cup match meant travelling thousands of kilometres to be here.

Rafael Franceschi flew from Panama City to Toronto and is spending the week in the city, arriving Monday and staying through Friday to take in the tournament atmosphere and support Panama in its match against Ghana.

Franceschi told CTV News he paid US$345 (roughly $475 Canadian) per ticket for his group of two to attend tonight’s game. Despite the cost, he said the opportunity to watch his country compete on soccer’s biggest stage made the trip worthwhile.

“This is a great experience. Thanks to the city of Toronto for receiving us.”

- Jermaine Wilson, CTV News Toronto Journalist

2:15 p.m. - City tweaks stadium operations

Fans can expect a few changes for today’s match.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says the city has listened to feedback and will be adding more ticket scanners to help speed up entrance to the stadium; they are also improving waste collection services.

Heather Wright, CTV News Senior Correspondent

2 p.m. - Road closures now 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 tonight.

Manitoba Drive and most of Strachan Avenue are 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.

- Phil Tsekouras, CTV News Toronto Journalist

1:45 p.m. - Panama fans gather in Trinity Bellwoods

Chants of “Olé, Olé, Olé, Panama, Panama” are breaking out in Trinity Bellwoods Park ahead of tonight’s match.

Hundreds of fans were seen at the downtown park ahead of the fan march to Toronto Stadium on Wednesday.

- Jermaine Wilson, CTV News Toronto Journalist

1:30 p.m. - Panama fans descend on Liberty Village

Panama fans are flowing into Liberty Village ahead of tonight’s game, including a couple who drove for two days from Dallas, Texas.

“You know, second time in the World Cup, we’re excited to be here. We’re here to support our team,” he said. The last time Panama qualified for the tournament was in 2016.

Another fan, who travelled from Panama to catch today’s match, said the importance of a World Cup game can’t be overstated.

“The World Cup is like the biggest sporting event for us, so to be here is really exciting. I hope we win, and we’ll advance to the next stage,” he said.

- Phil Tsekouras, CTV News Toronto Journalist

1 p.m. – Toronto police say temporary road closures possible

Outside of planned road closures, Toronto police say they may temporarily shut down some streets as duelling fan marches make their way to the stadium.

In a post on X, officials say they’re aware of the marches set to take place this afternoon and are reminding members of the public to be advised of the “global pre-match tradition.”

“Expect vibrant crowds waving flags and banners, with chants, songs, drums, and music filling the streets,” they said.

Tens of thousands of Canadian and Bosnian fans marched toward Toronto Stadium during the first World Cup game in the city on June 12.

- Phil Tsekouras, CTV News Toronto Journalist

12:30 p.m. – Match appears to be completely sold out

Tonight’s Ghana-Panama match at Toronto Stadium appears to be completely sold out.

As of noon, there were no tickets available for the match through FIFA’s official ticketing platform and only a single $724.50 ticket available through FIFA’s resale platform.

This is in contrast to the Canada-Bosnia and Herzegovina match last week where hundreds of tickets were available on FIFA’s resale platform the morning of the game, including many being sold for below face-value.

A small number of tickets do remain available for the match through third-party resale sites.

Prices on StubHub range from $720 to $1,452 per seat while tickets via SeatGeek range between $747 to $1,174 as of noon.

Some tickets on those sites appear to be for sale for more than face-value in apparent contravention of provincial legislation capping resale prices.

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

11:45 a.m. - Toronto could see up to 40 mm of rain tonight

Toronto could see up to 40 millimetres of rainfall tonight and into Thursday morning, Environment Canada says.

The weather agency has placed the entire GTHA under a special weather statement due to a “strong low pressure system.”

It says that there is also the “potential for severe thunderstorms late this evening and overnight.” CP24 Metrologist Bill Coulter says that the storm is not likely to intensify until around 11 p.m.

Coulter says that once it arrives, residents should expect consistent downpours until 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. with residual rain continuing until around 8 a.m. on Thursday.

He says that the rain should not intensify until the conclusion of the World Cup game slated for Toronto Stadium at 7 p.m. However, he says that the 43,000 fans attending that match should plan for isolated showers.

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

11:30 a.m.– Fan marches could cause streetcar delays

There are two major fan marches planned for downtown Toronto this afternoon ahead of a FIFA World Cup match between Ghana and Panama and TTC officials are warning of streetcar delays as a result.

The Panama fan march is scheduled to head southbound on Strachan Avenue. The Ghana supporters will start marching 45 minutes later, and are expected to head westbound on King Street before travelling southbound on Strachan Avenue.

TTC spokesperson Susan Nguyen says that anyone taking either the 501 Queen or 504 King streetcars this afternoon “should be prepared” for delays along those routes.

“We are keeping a close eye on the crowd movements there and will make service adjustments as needed to keep customers moving but do expect delays there or plan your trip outside of the 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. hours,” Nguyen told CP24.

“You can also bypass it completely by taking the 509 Harbourfront or 511 Bathurst streetcars to get downtown.”

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

11:20 a.m. – Ghanaian royalty arrives at Sankofa Square

The Asante King, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has arrived at Sankofa Square ahead of Ghana’s match against Panama.

One of Ghana’s many recognized kings, this is Osei Tutu II’s first-ever visit to Canada.

Members of Canada’s Ghanaian diaspora and fans of the Black Stars cheered as the king and his entourage arrived Wednesday morning.

Flanked by security personnel and officials in ceremonial dress, Osei Tutu II walked slowly through the crowd under the shade of a colourful umbrella as drums and chanting broke out.

- Phil Tsekouras, CTV News Toronto Journalist

11:15 a.m. – King to meet Ghana fans in downtown Toronto

Ghanaian-Canadians are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asante King, at Sankofa Square.

“This means a lot, as a first-generation Ghanaian-Canadian, being here in the city of Toronto, growing up and living here, seeing the king for the first time is such a historical moment,” Lorna Antwi told CP24 moments before the king’s arrival.

- Phil Tsekouras, CTV News Toronto Journalist

10:45 a.m. - ‘Heavy downpours’ possible tonight

“Pack a poncho.”

That’s the advice from CP24 Metrologist Bill Coulter as Toronto gets set to host its second of six World Cup games.

Coulter says that while this afternoon will see a mix of sun and cloud with only the “odd isolated shower,” it’s possible that there will be more “consistent scattered showers” once the match featuring Ghana and Panama gets underway at 7 p.m.

That is because a storm system is taking “direct aim” at the city, with heavier downpours and the risk of thunderstorms expected after the game ends and lasting until the early morning hours.

“The game will probably be OK with just some light showers but after the game if you are out reveling because your team won or are just in the World Cup spirit and want to keep things going late into the night well you have to keep in mind that heavy downpours with embedded strong thunderstorms are expected from 11:30 p.m. through 3 or 4 a.m. and then we will still see a few lingering showers and thunderstorms until about 8 a.m.,” Coulter says.

Coulter says that the weather in the leadup to the match will be much more favourable for soccer fans with mostly sunny skies and a daytime high of 24 C that will feel like 28 with the humidity.

Environment Canada says total rainfall amounts tonight will range from 20 to 30 millimetres with the potential for winds that could gust up to 50 km/h.

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

10:30 a.m. - Game day transit 101

The TTC says taking transit to Toronto Stadium or the FIFA Fan Festival is your “best bet” on game day.

Spokesperson Susan Nguyen says the closest transit stop to the action is at its Fleet Hub, located on Fleet Street between Strachan Avenue and Fort York Boulevard.

“That’s roughly about five minutes away from the FIFA Fan Festival and 10 minutes from the Toronto Stadium. So, this is acting as our primary pickup and drop off for all our transit connections there,” she said.

The TTC says it’s introduced extra train, streetcar and bus service to help fans navigate the city. Additional TTC staff members, all of whom will be wearing bright red TTC jerseys, will be on hand to help guide riders.

Nguyen said delays are expected on Queen and King streets later today due to the fan marches.

Metrolinx says trains on the Lakeshore East and West lines will be running on a 15-minute schedule for most of the day.

Late night service is also being extended on the Lakeshore West line with trains departing Union and Exhibition stations at 12:47 a.m. and 12: 55 a.m., respectively. The last UP Express train from Union Station will depart at 1:45 a.m.

- Phil Tsekouras, CTV News Toronto Journalist

10 a.m. – Watch parties across the Greater Toronto Area

Several watch parties are scheduled to take place in the Greater Toronto Area for Wednesday’s match.

In addition to the watch party at Sankofa Square, fans can also catch the action at FIFA Fan Festival at Fort York and the Bentway. The event is ticketed, but admission is free and passes are still available at time of writing. Gates open at 2:30 p.m.

Watch parties are also scheduled to take place at Celebration Square in Mississauga, at the Ajax Fan Zone at Pat Bayly Square, and at a place dubbed “Africa Village” at Downsview Park in Toronto. All of the events are free.

- Phil Tsekouras, CTV News Toronto Journalist