Portugal's World Cup win sparks massive fan celebrations in Toronto

Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 in the second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at BMO Field in Toronto, prompting a massive street party among the roughly 450,000 Portuguese residents and descendants in Canada. Fans gathered around the Hotel Delta and marched through the city despite 40 °C heat, displaying flags and chanting. Players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Dalot, Francisco Conceição and Diogo Costa appeared on a balcony to thank the crowd, and Ronaldo held a shirt honoring the late Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident a year earlier.

The celebration highlighted the Luso‑Canadian community, which numbers over half a million and is centered in Toronto's Little Portugal neighbourhood. The event was also marked by the presence of Canadian‑born midfielder Stephen Eustáquio, who proudly displayed his Portuguese heritage. Portugal’s next match will be against Spain in Dallas in the round of 16.