Canada offers jersey exchange for disappointed Italy fans ahead of World Cup

Jason Sargent Saturday, April 4, 2026

Jonathan Abraham, USA TODAY Sat, April 4, 2026 at 2:51 PM UTC

After Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third straight time, co-hosts Canada extended an olive branch to some disappointed Azzurri fans in the country.

On Saturday, April 4, Canada Soccer offered a free jersey exchange deal for fans to swap an Italian jersey for a Canadian one.

"Canada Soccer is inviting Italian-Canadians to get behind the home team," said a statement from Canada Soccer.

"On Saturday, April 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Canada Soccer will be outside Cafe Diplomatico on College Street in Toronto's Little Italy, offering fans the chance to swap their Italy colors for a Canada jersey and join the momentum heading into the FIFA World Cup 2026."

"Cost: Free. Bring your Italian jersey, leave with a Canadian one," the statement added. "Available while supplies last, fans are encouraged to arrive early to be kitted out."

In the 2021 Census of Canada, there were over 1.5 million Canadians who reported full or partial Italian ancestry, representing 4.3 percent of the total population.

"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 & content officer at Canada Soccer.

"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."

If Italy had qualified for the upcoming World Cup, it would have been placed in Group B with Canada, Switzerland and Qatar.

However, Bosnia and Herzegovina secured the shocking penalty shootout victory at home, with New England Revolution homegrown product Esmir Bajraktarević scoring the winner.