With FIFA World Cup qualification now in the rearview, Canada Soccer has its sights set on recruiting as many fans as possible.
After Italy was eliminated from making the World Cup following a loss to Bosnia-Herzegovina earlier this week, Canada Soccer is inviting Italian Canadians to get behind the home team moving forward.
With Canada set to be one of the 2026 World Cup hosts, the soccer organization is putting on a jersey swap event on Saturday. The event will offer fans a chance to swap their Italian threads for a Canada Soccer men's national team jersey.
The event will take place outside Cafe Diplomatico in Toronto's Little Italy neighbourhood.
“Soccer in Canada has been built by generations of players, fans, and communities, including Italian-Canadians who’ve helped bring the passion for our game to life," said Paulo Senra, chief communications and content officer at Canada Soccer in a statement. "We want every Canadian — no matter their historic allegiances — to join the momentum around our men’s national team, because this time, it’s Canada.”
While some may remain steadfast in their support of the Azzuri, like those responding critically to the promotion online, others could instead lend Canada their support as a means of getting even with Bosnia. Canada hosts the Zmajevi at Toronto's BMO Field on June 12 for the first game of Group B action.
A Canadian victory could do wonders for the local Italian faithful, who are still reeling from last week's loss — 4-1 in penalties, keeping them out of the World Cup for a third consecutive tournament.
Meanwhile, June's contest between Canada and Bosnia will be a historic event, marking the country's first-ever men's FIFA World Cup match on home soil. Time will tell how many Italian-Canadians end up making the swap.
