Germany completed a thrilling comeback to defeat Ivory Coast 2-1 in a Group E match at Toronto Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Forward Deniz Undav scored in stoppage time to put Germany ahead and kickoff a euphoric celebration by a largely pro-German crowd.
Earlier in the day, an estimated 5,000 German supporters marched to the match, temporarily disrupting traffic along Queen’s Quay and Lake Shore Boulevard West.
The match was one of the most highly anticipated games being hosted in Toronto, as it featured a German team that carries significant star power and is currently ranked 10th in the world by FIFA.
7:21 p.m. German superfan Freddy makes it to Toronto and his team wins!
Beloved German soccer fan, Freddy, who is documenting his road trip across the U.S. during the World Cup, made it to Toronto for Saturday evening’s match and his team won.
On Friday, Freddy shared concerns that they’d would miss the game after their flight was rebooked due to the weather.
Former Houston Texans player J.J. Watt and American Airlines stepped up to help Freddy get to the city.
“Second match won, but this one was way closer. We‘re already qualified for the Round of 32!!! It‘s gonna be either Boston or Dallas,” Freddy wrote in a tweet posted about an hour after the June 20 match ended.
“Onwards we go, six more games to win!”
-Joanna Lavoie, journalist CP24.com
6:52 p.m. Fans living it up at Toronto Stadium
Fans are in no hurry to leave Toronto Stadium following Germany’s 2-1, come-from-behind win over Côte d’Ivoire.
Germany trailed until the 68th minute when they tied it up, then scored the game winner with just two minutes left in stoppage time.
This means Germany has secured its spot in the knockout round, while Côte d’Ivoire next faces Curaçao.
-Heather Wright, CTV National News
6:35 p.m. German fans keep celebration going
A large group of German supporters are continuing to celebrate their team’s comeback victory near the concession stands at Toronto Stadium.
- Jermaine Wilson, CTV News Toronto
6:15 p.m. TTC riders can expect some crowding as fans head home after match
Some crowding could occur on Fleet Street and Queens Quay on the TTC now that the FIFA World Cup has ended at Toronto Stadium, senior communications advisor Zahra Sherazee tells CTV News Toronto.
So far, things are moving well, however the significant amount of people who are looking to use public transit at this time could impact the 509 Harbourfront streetcar route.
The TTC is advising people to consider taking the 504 streetcar from King and Strachan or the 511 Bathurst streetcar, which will connect travellers from the Fleet Hub to Bathurst Station.
For those heading west, Sherazee says to head to the Dufferin Gate Loop and take the 29 Dufferin, 929 Dufferin Express, or 829 Dufferin Gate Express.
She added that to “help keep things moving,” the TTC has extra service on Line 1 and 2 as well as the 504, 509 and 511 streetcar routes.
The 29 series bus routes are also running in a transit priority lane to help keep things moving, Sherazee noted.
Further, Metrolinx says Lakeshore West trains will run every 15 minutes between Union and Exhibition today to accommodate the crowds heading home from Toronto Stadium or the Fan Festival.
6:10 p.m. Germany advances to knockout stages
With a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast, Germany has officially clinched a spot in the round of 32.
It now has a three-point cushion atop Group E, but will need to at least draw Ecuador in its final group stage match to guarantee that it will win the group.
-Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer CP24.com & CTVNewsToronto.ca
5:58 p.m. Germany goes ahead in stoppage time
Deniz Undav has scored again in stoppage time and has put Germany ahead 2-1.
No team in this World Cup has gone on to win after surrendering the first goal but Germany is now poised to do exactly that, while taking a stranglehold on Group E in the process.
-Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer CP24.com & CTVNewsToronto.ca
5:50 p.m. A closer look at the tying goal
Here is a closer look at Deniz Undav’s header to tie this game. It is his eight goal in his last eight games for Germany.
- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer CP24.com & CTVNewsToronto.ca
5:45 p.m. Full house at Toronto Stadium
The announced attendance at today’s match at Toronto Stadium is officially 43,036.
While a handful of empty seats were observed during Tuesday’s Ghana-Panama game, CTV News Toronto’s Jermaine Wilson says that the house appears to be completely packed for today’s highly anticipated match.
- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer CP24.com & CTVNewsToronto.ca
5:39 p.m. Fans boo hydration break
One tradition appears to be carrying over from match to match at Toronto Stadium: fans really do not like the hydration breaks.
As play paused for another scheduled cooling break, a chorus of boos echoed around the stadium from supporters of both teams.
It has become a familiar scene throughout Toronto’s World Cup matches, regardless of which countries are on the pitch.
- Jermaine Wilson, CTV News Toronto
5:35 p.m. Germany scores, crowd goes wild
Deniz Undav has scored on a header in the 68th minute for Germany to even the game at 1, reinvigorating a pro-German crowd at Toronto Stadium.
Undav had only just substituted into the game when he made good on a beautiful cross from fellow substitute Nadiem Amiri.
CTV News Toronto’s Jermaine Wilson is inside the stadium and says the crowd has come alive after the equalizer.
- Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer CP24.com & CTVNewsToronto.ca
5:11 p.m. Attending match a dream come true for father-son duo
For Shaban Maganga and his son Lincoln, simply making it to Toronto Stadium today feels like a victory of its own.
The father-son duo are finally watching Germany take on Ivory Coast after months of uncertainty surrounding their tickets.
Lincoln, an avid young soccer fan with Tanzanian roots, had hoped to attend the match as a Christmas gift, but the family’s original resale tickets later became unavailable, leaving them unsure whether they would be able to go at all.
After days of frustration and uncertainty, replacement tickets were ultimately secured, allowing them to take their seats inside the stadium.
Speaking with CTV News on Saturday afternoon, both described the experience as a full-circle moment. What once appeared to be a disappointing end to a dream trip has turned into a memorable day together at the World Cup.
- Jermaine Wilson, CTV News Toronto
5:10 p.m. Germany has had two goals called back
While Germany trails at halftime, they have controlled the ball for 61 per cent of the game. But it hasn’t materialized in many chances with both Germany and Ivory Coast only recording two shots. Germany has also had two goals called back due to fouls (in the 22nd and 37th minutes)
-Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer CP24.com & CTVNewsToronto.ca
5 p.m. Ivory Coast could take stranglehold on Group E with win
Ivory Coast is leading Germany 1-0 at halftime.
So far, only one team has come back to win after conceding the first goal at this World Cup, according to TSN’s Jennifer Hedger.
If Ivory Coast is able to hold on it would potentially give them a stranglehold on Group E with just one match against Curaçao remaining – a team that Germany has already defeated 7-1.
Ivory Coast would need to earn just one point against Curaçao to clinch top spot, a surprising turn of events in a group that Germany (ranked 12th in the world) was heavily favoured to win.
-Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer CP24.com & CTVNewsToronto.ca
4:52 p.m. Pro-German crowd in Toronto
One of the more interesting observations from inside Toronto Stadium today is just how balanced the crowd appears to be between supporters of Germany and Ivory Coast.
While Germany clearly holds the advantage in terms of numbers, Ivory Coast fans have shown up in significant numbers and have made plenty of noise throughout the afternoon.
Based on a rough estimate from the stands, the crowd appears to be about a 60-40 split in favour of Germany. That balance has helped create a lively atmosphere inside the stadium.
- Jermaine Wilson, CTV News Toronto
4:45 p.m. Ivory Coast manager leaps for joy after goal
This is a closer look at Franck Kessié’s goal to give Ivory Coast a early 1-0 lead against Germany at Toronto Stadium.
Ivory Coast Manager Emerse Faé was seen leaping into the arms of another coaching staff member on the sidelines following the goal.
-Chris Fox, Managing Digital Producer CP24.com & CTVNewsToronto.ca
4:33 p.m. Ivory Coast scores first goal
Franck Kessié has scored in the 30th minutes to give Ivory Coast an early 1-0 lead against Germany at Toronto Stadium.
The goal came after a German goal was disallowed in the 22nd minute following a foul that was assessed to Aleksandar Pavlovic for colliding with the Ivory Coast keeper.
CTV News Toronto’s Jermaine Wilson is inside the stadium and says that German fans appear to be “stunned” with the turn of events.
-Chris Fox, managing digital producer, CP24.com & CTVNewsToronto.ca
4:24 p.m. Incident in stands
A situation is now unfolding inside Toronto Stadium, near the north side of the temporary seating area.
A fan appears to have fallen several rows down in the stands, with the incident happening directly behind where CTV News Toronto reporter Jermaine Wilson is positioned.
A loud thump could be heard as the supporter hit the seating area, drawing the attention of nearby fans.
Toronto paramedics attended, with police on hand to assist.
Paramedics later told CTV News Toronto that “someone took a tumble after having a few beers.” They say the fan was assessed in the on-site medical tent and released.
- Jermaine Wilson, CTV News Toronto journalist
4:11 p.m. Almost 40K tickets sold for today’s match
Officials say 39,425 tickets were scanned by kick off for the Germany vs. Ivory Coast match.
Among those in the crowd, Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl, actress and singer Stephanie Beatriz, Toronto Raptors player A.J Lawson and Kiki Rice of the Toronto Tempo.
-Heather Wright, CTV National News
4:00 p.m. Germany vs. Ivory Coast match has begun
Here we go!
The crowd at Toronto Stadium is ready for Germany vs. Ivory Coast.
- Jermaine Wilson, CTV News Toronto journalist
3:49 p.m. Almost game time
Less than 30 minutes to kickoff at Toronto Stadium and the venue is getting more packed by the minute.
- Jermaine Wilson, CTV News Toronto journalist
3:32 p.m. Super fan has attended every World Cup since 1986
For Chris Verhuis, following the World Cup has become a lifelong tradition.
Verhuis travelled from San Francisco to Toronto and says he has attended every World Cup tournament dating back to 1986.
This year, he plans to follow Germany throughout the entire tournament as they chase another deep run on the world stage.
His connection to the sport goes beyond being a fan. Verhuis said he was a goalkeeper during his college years, giving him an even deeper appreciation for the game.
After today’s match against Ivory Coast, his Toronto trip will come to an end, with plans to fly out tomorrow morning as he continues following the tournament.
- Jermaine Wilson, CTV News Toronto journalist
3:20 p.m. Teams warm up at Toronto Stadium
Warm ups are getting underway at Toronto Stadium ahead of kick off between Ivory Coast and Germany.
Both teams are undefeated so far in Group E with a win guaranteeing a spot in the knockout round.
Canada is also likely watching this match closely - if Canada beats or ties Switzerland on Wednesday and wins Group B there is a chance it would face the third-place finisher of Group E.
Right now, that is Ecuador but that could change depending on the result of today’s match in Toronto.
-Heather Wright, CTV National News
2:52 p.m. Expensive eats at Toronto Stadium
Here’s another look at food prices inside Toronto Stadium:
Today’s dish, jerk chicken nachos, is selling for $25.99.
At previous games, CTV News Toronto’s Jermaine Wilson found a hotdog combo (chips and drink) for $32.49 and chicken tenders with fries (no drink) for $28.53.
- Jermaine Wilson, CTV News Toronto journalist
2:48 p.m. Fan scored a last-minute ticket
Luke Fang, who is originally from China and now living in Toronto for 12 years, drove to today’s match and parked near Union Station.
He says he bought his ticket last night and is hopeful for a Germany win.
- Jermaine Wilson, CTV News Toronto journalist
2:19 p.m. Germany fan says energy in city during World Cup ‘unlike anything’ he’s ever seen
For Haroon Amadi, attending the World Cup in Toronto was an opportunity he simply couldn’t pass up.
Amadi, who is orginally from Toronto, came to today’s match with his son and said they paid approximately $840 each for their tickets to see Germany take on Ivory Coast.
While the price was steep, he described the tournament as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for both Toronto and local soccer fans.
He told CTV News that there’s no guarantee the city will ever host another World Cup, making the decision an easy one.
Amadi also praised the atmosphere that has taken over Toronto in recent days, saying the energy throughout the city is unlike anything he has ever experienced in his life.
“What a great event. The whole World Cup, the scene, just the energy in the city, I haven’t seen it since before COVID,” he said from inside Toronto Stadium.
“And I think it’s a wake-up call for this city and everybody is alive again so that’s good. Let’s go.”
- Jermaine Wilson, CTV News Toronto journalist
2:15 p.m. Fans arriving at Toronto Stadium
Live from inside Toronto Stadium a few hours before Germany takes on Ivory Coast. Fans are beginning to arrive, but for now it’s the calm before the storm.
- Jermaine Wilson, CTV News Toronto journalist
2:00 p.m. Fan march ends
Toronto Police confirm the roads that have closed for the fan march from Amsterdam Brewhouse to Toronto Stadium have since reopened.
- Alex Arsenych, CTV News Toronto journalist
1:25 p.m. - Streetcar service halted along Queens Quay
The Toronto Transit Commission advises fans currently heading to Toronto Stadium or the FIFA Fan Fest that the ongoing march has temporarily halted streetcar service along Queens Quay.
The transit network advises taking the GO to Exhibition from Union Station or the 504 streetcar from St. Andrew or King subway stations at this time.
- Alex Arsenych, CTV News Toronto journalist
1:15 p.m. - About 5K fans are marching
In a post on social media, Toronto Police say there are roughly 5,000 fans participating in the march to Toronto Stadium.
“Due to large crowd size and fan march, expect delays at Lakeshore Blvd and Bathurst Street,” officials wrote on X.
- Alex Arsenych, CTV News Toronto journalist
1 p.m. - March-turned-street party underway
The march has come to a temporary standstill, turning a stretch of roadway into a singalong. Germany supporters are sitting on the street, chanting, with the crowd growing bigger.
CTV News Toronto’s Jermaine Wilson calls the march a “stop-and-go celebration,” as hordes of fans stop after moving a hundred metres to sing and shout their support for their national team.
- Jermaine Wilson, CTV News Toronto journalist
12:50 p.m. - Toronto’s goldfish oracle predicts Saturday’s winners
A goldfish in downtown Toronto has been predicting the outcome of each and every World Cup match so far (and will be throughout the duration of this year’s tournament). As of Thursday morning, the cheekily-named Swimbappé had an 80 per cent success rate with his divinations.
For Saturday’s matches, the aquatic oracle predicts the eighth-ranked Netherlands will beat the 34th-ranked Sweden in the Group F matchup.
As for the outcome of the game hosted in Toronto, Swimbappé feels like Ivory Coast will take home the win.
Want to learn more about Toronto’s goldfish oracle? Head here to read about his origin story.
- Alex Arsenych, CTV News Toronto journalist
12:36 p.m. - March from Amsterdam Brewhouse begins
The march filled with hundreds of Germany supports is now underway. Hundreds of fans are expected to chant and sing throughout Toronto’s streets as they make their way toward Toronto Stadium.
- Jermaine Wilson, CTV News Toronto journalist
12:15 p.m. Germany fans gathered outside team’s hotel
Hordes of Team Germany fans waited outside of the hotel where the national team is staying earlier on Saturday, which appears to be at Le Germain Hotel on Bremner Boulevard.
- Alex Arsenych, CTV News Toronto journalist
11:55 a.m. Match appears to be completely sold out
Today’s Germany-Ivory Coast match at Toronto Stadium appears to be completely sold out.
Just before noon, there were no tickets available for the match through FIFA’s official ticketing platform and only a single $970 ticket available through FIFA’s resale platform.
A small number of tickets do remain available for the match through third-party resale sites. Prices on StubHub range from $1,043 to $6,732 per seat while tickets via SeatGeek range between $1,419 to $6,903.
Some tickets on those sites appear to be for sale for more than face-value, going against recent provincial legislation capping resale prices.
- Alex Arsenych, CTV News Toronto journalist
11 a.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 9 p.m.
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 are taking effect as a fan march from Amsterdam Brewhouse gets underway this afternoon.
- Alex Arsenych, CTV News Toronto journalist
10:25 a.m. – Former NFL player helps German soccer superfan make it to Toronto
Former Houston Texans player J.J. Watt and American Airlines have been credited in helping Freddy make it in time for Germany’s match at Toronto Stadium against Ivory Coast.
Freddy is a beloved German soccer fan documenting his road trip across the U.S. during the World Cup.
On Friday, Freddy shared concerns that they would miss Saturday’s game after their flight was rebooked due to the weather.
“They rebooked us on a flight tomorrow evening. We’re gonna miss the Germany match,” the post reads
Thousands of people commented on the post, offering alternate routes to get Freddy to Toronto in time. Later on Friday, Freddy announced they were on the way to Buffalo.
Head here for more details on the story.
- Alex Arsenych, CTV News Toronto journalist
9:05 a.m. – Saturday’s weather forecast
It will likely be a lot dryer at Toronto Stadium compared to the last World Cup match that was hosted in the city.
On Wednesday night it poured during the Ghana and Panama game, but Environment Canada forecasts just a 30 per cent chance of rain in Toronto Saturday afternoon, starting at around 2 p.m.
The national weather agency says Toronto can expect a mix of sun and cloud this afternoon, and a high of 24 C.
- Alex Arsenych, CTV News Toronto journalist
9 a.m. – Watch parties across the GTA
Several watch parties are scheduled to take place in the Greater Toronto Area for Saturday’s match.
There are a number of options for German fans to root for their team, including Amsterdam Brewhouse at 245 Queens Quay W. and The Pint Public House at 277 Front St. W. in downtown Toronto.
Club Lorely Oshawa is hosting supporters at its German-Canadian cultural club on Dean Avenue, while fans in Mississauga can head over to Hansa Haus on Hurontario Street.
Meanwhile Ivory Coast fans can either head to Instant du Palais on Mount Pleasant Road or Le Plato on Danforth Avenue to cheer on for their team.
Fans of both teams can also catch the action at FIFA Fan Festival at Fort York and the Bentway. There is also a live broadcast right at Nathan Phillips Square.
- Alex Arsenych, CTV News Toronto journalist
