Thousands of Germany and Ivory Coast soccer fans are gathering in Toronto as the FIFA World Cup matchup between the two nations’ teams is set to get underway in the city this afternoon.
Germany supporters are expected to march by Toronto’s waterfront to the temporarily rebranded BMO Field in a recent soccer tradition before major home matches.
A fan march organized by Germany supporters was scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. near Queens Quay West and Robertson Crescent before making its way toward Toronto Stadium.
Road closures are expected along the route and throughout the day, with traffic delays anticipated in the area.
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Lake Shore Boulevard West will be fully closed in both directions between Bathurst Street and British Columbia Road. The closures typically take effect about five hours before kickoff and remain in place until roughly three hours after the final whistle.
Many Ivory Coast supporters are also expected to fill Toronto Stadium, wearing their team’s orange jerseys.
Ivory Coast players arrived in Toronto with striker Elye Wahi after the 23-year-old was cleared to enter Canada, a boost for the team.
There had been uncertainty over his availability for today’s match because he is under investigation in France for alleged betting-related offences.
The Ivorians opened the tournament with a 1-0 win over Ecuador, while Germany routed Curaçao 7-1 in its first match.
Toronto police are also reminding fans that drones are prohibited around Toronto Stadium and the FIFA Fan Festival during the tournament.
Police said three people have already been charged under Canadian Aviation Regulations after allegedly flying drones over and around FIFA sites downtown on June 19.
– With files from The Canadian Press
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