Finnish fan soaks up World Cup atmosphere in Toronto

Eeli Hellsten, a football fan from Vantaa, is spending two weeks in Toronto to experience the FIFA World Cup firsthand, staying with friends he made during a previous visit.

Without free accommodation, the trip would have been too expensive, he told Yle on Thursday. Now, he plans to fully immerse himself in the tournament’s energy, which he says is already visible across the city—from advertisements and fans in jerseys to volunteers and tourists taking photos.

Though he initially had no match tickets, Hellsten secured an affordable seat for Ghana vs. Panama. He will watch other games on public screens and in bars with friends. For him, the communal experience is what matters most.

“It’s incredible to celebrate football together with other fans,” he said. While he follows American soccer, major tournaments hold a special place for him. He tends to root for underdogs over traditional powerhouses, favoring teams that play attractive, attacking football.

Yle’s World Cup coverage, including the Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina match, begins Friday at 22:00 Finnish time. The tournament runs from 11 June to 19 July.