The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is expected to attend a public watch party in Toronto on June 17, 2026, as Ghana takes on Panama in its opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The event, organised by Tribe Culturefest as part of its #FWC26Tribe campaign, will be held at Sankofa Square in downtown Toronto.
Organisers expect the gathering to attract thousands of members of the Ghanaian community, football fans, cultural groups, and visitors from across the Greater Toronto Area.
Beyond the live screening of the World Cup clash between Ghana and Panama, the event will feature cultural performances, music, food exhibitions, and other activities designed to showcase Ghanaian culture and heritage.
The anticipated attendance of the Asantehene is expected to add further significance to the occasion, which organisers say will not only celebrate Ghana’s participation in the World Cup but also recognise the contributions of the Ghanaian diaspora in Canada.
The watch party will take place at Sankofa Square, formerly known as Yonge-Dundas Square. The landmark was renamed in 2023 after the Akan concept “Sankofa,” which encourages learning from the past while building for the future.
The renaming was widely viewed as a recognition of the contributions of African and Black communities to Toronto’s multicultural identity.
Chief Operating Officer of Tribe Culturefest, Kristin Gyimah, said the square’s connection to Ghanaian heritage makes it a fitting venue for the event.
“Sankofa Square is more than a destination; it is a symbol of cultural recognition and shared history. To celebrate Ghana’s World Cup journey in a space that proudly carries a Ghanaian name is deeply meaningful,” she said.
Organisers expect thousands of spectators to attend the event, which will combine football viewing with cultural showcases highlighting Ghanaian traditions, music, cuisine, and community spirit.
The watch party forms part of a broader series of activities being organised around the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being hosted across the Canada, United States, and Mexico.
Ghana will face Panama on June 17 as the Black Stars begin their quest for a place in the knockout stages of the tournament.
