The draw for the upcoming World Cup in the summer has sparked anticipation that Canada might play against Italy in their first match on June 12 in Toronto, leading to excitement in the Little Italy neighborhood of the city.
Canada’s national soccer team was drawn alongside Switzerland, ranked fifth in Pot 2, and Qatar, the 10th-ranked team in Pot 3. An additional European team from Pot 4, potentially Italy, who is yet to secure qualification, could complete the group.
Rocco Mastrangelo, co-owner of Cafe Diplomatico, a popular spot on College Street in Little Italy known for its pizzas, pastas, and soccer watch parties, expressed his nerves about the draw outcome. He mentioned that the Italian community in Toronto is hopeful for a successful qualification and is eagerly awaiting the tournament.
Currently ranked 12th, Italy is set to participate in a European playoff in March against Wales, Northern Ireland, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the winner advancing to face Canada on June 12 at Toronto’s BMO Field.
Mastrangelo shared his excitement over the potential Canada-Italy matchup, emphasizing the significance for the city and the large Italian Canadian community in the Greater Toronto Area.
“Communities are gearing up for viewing parties, barbecues, and possible attendance at BMO Field, although ticket availability and costs remain uncertain,” he noted, highlighting the coinciding popular Taste of Little Italy street festival.
Jordan Nunes, an employee at Danny’s Pizza Tavern nearby, also expressed enthusiasm for the prospect of an Italy-Canada clash, foreseeing packed bars and lively streets with pop-up patios and big screens for the event.