"I literally have butterflies in my stomach, said Rocco Mastrangelo, co-owner of Cafe Diplomatico, which is known for its pizzas, pastas and soccer watch parties on College Street, in the heart of Little Italy. Right now I'm sure that all the Italians in Toronto have gone to the church and lit a candle and are praying that we qualify, Mastrangelo said after Friday's draw."
"Mastrangelo said a Canada-Italy matchup would be "electric" for the city and the large Italian Canadian community in the Greater Toronto Area. "People are just gonna prepare to have viewing parties ... barbecues and such, or try to get tickets to BMO Field, which I don't even know if it's even possible or what the cost is," he said, noting that the game would coincide with the start of the popular Taste of Little Italy street festival."
Canada was drawn into Group B for the 2026 World Cup alongside Switzerland and Qatar, with a Pot 4 playoff winner to join them. A potential June 12 opener in Toronto could match Canada against Italy if Italy wins its European playoff. Italy faces Wales, Northern Ireland and Bosnia and Herzegovina for that playoff spot. The possibility of Canada versus Italy has energized Toronto's Little Italy community and local businesses. Cafe Diplomatico's co-owner described widespread excitement and prayers among Italian Canadians. Community plans include viewing parties, barbecues and attempts to secure tickets amid uncertainty about availability and cost, coinciding with the Taste of Little Italy festival.
Read at www.cbc.ca
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