Toronto photographer Joseph Howarth reminisces about his experience twenty years ago when he joined Angolan soccer fans in a bustling bar to watch the 2006 FIFA World Cup. He was captivated by the energy and excitement of being among Angola supporters during their debut World Cup appearance. This encounter sparked his interest in capturing the diverse fan culture in Toronto, leading to the inception of his project, World Cup in Toronto.
Over the years, Howarth has documented fans from 55 different countries across the city, affirming his belief that Toronto truly embodies a global mosaic. With a portion of this year’s tournament hosted in the city, he eagerly anticipates photographing fans from new countries like Curaçao, Cape Verde, and Uzbekistan. His ultimate goal is to capture the sea of red and waving flags as thousands of fans rally behind Team Canada, a moment he has long envisioned but not yet had the chance to photograph.
Among the various fan groups, Howarth expresses a fondness for Croatian fans due to their strong sense of community, passionate love for soccer, and distinctive red and white checkered jerseys. He finds smaller or underdog teams like Croatia particularly intriguing to photograph as their future appearances in the World Cup are uncertain, unlike perennial contenders such as Germany or France.
Despite not being a die-hard soccer enthusiast initially, Howarth has developed a deep appreciation for the sport through his interactions with fans. He emphasizes his admiration for the fervor and camaraderie displayed by soccer enthusiasts, referring to himself as a fan of fandom and a proud supporter of the vibrant spirit of Toronto.
In his photography, Howarth cherishes capturing three distinct types of fan moments: the “anguish photo” depicting fans’ disappointment, the “molar shot” revealing intense emotion, and the “big blur” portraying the chaotic jubilation following a goal. These candid shots encapsulate the raw emotions and energy of fans in their most authentic state, reflecting the passion and dedication that define the World Cup experience.
