Fans gather in Toronto’s Little Italy to watch World Cup qualifier against Bosnia
Written by The Canadian Press on March 31, 2026
TORONTO — Hopeful fans have packed a cafe in the heart of Toronto’s Little Italy to cheer on the Italian soccer team as it looks to secure a spot in the FIFA World Cup and face Canada in the country’s opening match.
Today’s playoff game between Italy and Bosnia-Herzegovina will determine who joins Canada, Qatar and Switzerland in Group B at the tournament, and plays against Canada in Toronto on June 12.
At Cafe Diplomatico on College Street, dozens of fans decked out in blue and white — the colours of Italy’s national team — are sipping drinks and eating with their eyes glued on the TV screens in the restaurant.
The crowd erupted in cheers when Italy scored the first goal of the match played at a stadium in Zenica, Bosnia.
Fans like Noah Romeo and Max Selvaggi were hopeful Italy would qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 2014.
They said a win today would take on a special meaning because Italy would play Canada in the tournament co-hosted by the United States and Mexico.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 31, 2026.
The Canadian Press