Fans marching to Toronto Stadium ahead of first World Cup game on Canadian soil

Thousands of excited soccer fans descended on Toronto Stadium on Friday as Canada’s FIFA World Cup opener against Bosnia-Herzegovina was set to get underway, marking the first of its kind on Canadian soil.

Fans arrived in droves at the temporarily rebranded BMO Field, wearing red and white jerseys and carrying Canadian flags, while others sported Bosnia’s blue and yellow.

Many fans also took part in marches — a soccer tradition before major international games — and Bosnia supporters gathered at Stanley Park while Canada’s Voyageurs marched from Trinity Bellwoods Park.

Canadian soccer fan Daniel Klik, of Mississauga, Ont., said he got tickets to the opening game in February and has been looking forward to it ever since.

“I’m excited to see how the game goes, and it seems to be a great turnout,” Klik said outside the stadium ahead of the match.

“I feel it’s very important to wear the jersey to support Canada. Everyone here is really excited for the game.”

Meanwhile, fellow fan Raine Easton said she flew in from New Brunswick for the tournament. The World Cup is “a great opportunity for Canada,” she said.

“I’m super excited. I think it’s a great day weather-wise, too, so hopefully it should be good,” she said.

Bosnia-Herzegovina fan Benjamin Sahacic said he came to Toronto from Boston on Thursday night with his wife and three kids to watch Friday’s game. Canadians have been “super friendly and hospitable” during their visit, he said.

“It’s a special occasion for all of us Bosnians who have dreamed of this day,” he said. “We appreciate the opportunity to come to Canada.”

Fans are also coming together at watch parties across the city, including at the FIFA Fan Festival in Fort York, which was cut short on Thursday after rainy weather.

This year’s World Cup is the biggest in FIFA’s history, and it’s being jointly hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico until July 19.

Toronto Stadium is hosting six games, starting with the first World Cup match on Canadian soil at 3 p.m. Friday.

By Maan Alhmidi and Rianna Lim