For nearly 20 years, Toronto photographer Joseph Howarth has spent every FIFA World Cup chasing a different kind of action. Rather than photographing players on the pitch, he focuses on supporters gathered in bars, restaurants and public watch parties across the Greater Toronto Area, documenting the joy, heartbreak and community that unfold during the 90 minutes of play.
With Canada co-hosting this year’s tournament, Howarth says his long-running project has reached a new level.
A tournament transformed by home soil
Howarth told CTV Your Morning that hosting the World Cup has dramatically changed the atmosphere in Toronto, making it easier than ever to find passionate supporters from around the world.
“It’s very different this year,” he said. “Every year, I’m trying to find all the different countries in the tournament, and it’s sometimes a struggle, some of the smaller countries, but this year, as the host country, the excitement in the city has doubled over so that.”
Howarth said there are now so many celebrations happening across the city that choosing which gathering to photograph has become the biggest challenge.
A project inspired by fan passion
The idea for the project began after Howarth experienced the atmosphere surrounding the Rugby World Cup in Ireland, despite knowing little about the sport.
“I don’t know too much about the World Cup, but I know if I can find the fans, who love this sport, if I can be with them, then I know I’ll grow to love this sport,” he said.
That belief led him to spend the 2006 World Cup searching for supporters from all 32 competing nations across the GTA. He has continued the tradition ever since, photographing fans from dozens of countries while showcasing Toronto’s multicultural identity.
Canada’s fans stand out
For Howarth, one of the biggest surprises has been Canada’s own supporters.
“What’s really cool is the Canadian crowd is the most diverse of all the crowds,” he said.
Howarth said this year’s tournament has created unforgettable new moments, with large public watch parties bringing together fans from every background.
Capturing emotions everyone understands
While his photographs feature supporters of different teams and cultures, Howarth believes the emotions they capture are universal.
“I think when you see these photos, everyone can see themselves, because we have all had our sports moment,” he said.
Whether it’s celebration, hope or heartbreak, he says those shared experiences are what continue to make the project meaningful nearly two decades after it began.
