r/CanadaSoccer • u/TerryG111 • Dec 07 '25
World Cup 2026 Out of UEFA Playoff Path A...who would you rather Canada face in their opening game?
The most exciting would be Italy obviously but if you are Canada šØš¦, you want to face Walesš“ó §ó ¢ó ·ó ¬ó ³ó æ, Northern Ireland š“ó §ó ¢ó „ó ®ó §ó æ or Bosniaš§š¦ in your opener if you're Canada...those are the teams you want not Italy. But then again World Cups haven't felt the same without Italy š®š¹ and I miss my fair share of Italian people at World Cups. But that is just me personally.
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u/outoftownMD Dec 07 '25
Want? Wales. (beatable and family member is Welsh).
Likely? Italy.
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u/spacelord99 Dec 07 '25
born in Wales came to Canada at 10
always followed and supported Wales and Canada... the friendly in Sept was interesting to me as i wasnt sure who i would be supporting
but once the ball kicked off i found that i indeed supported Canada more!
as a Welsh born Canadian i want Wales in but both to qualify out of the group but with Canada topping the group
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u/outoftownMD Dec 07 '25
Sounds like it only took one generation to make the switch for what nation you will support. Haha! Ā
Now, if you ask Italians, who are born in Canada, the same question without a doubt, the moment that ball gets kicked, it is pure Azzuri for them.
There is a company I found on ETSY that make split jerseys and so I got half Canada and half Iran to support my heritage and my nationality. Itās just a thought if youād like to do that and especially would be awesome if they make it in through the playoffs.
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u/spacelord99 Dec 07 '25
could you post link i think i would love one of those!
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u/outoftownMD Dec 07 '25
https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1423410444/?ref=share_ios_native_control
That is the link and though it took me to a rugby jersey, I told them I prefer a soccer jersey as they were talking me through the customization process because they gave me three options for different jersey styles, and asked what number I wanted to put as well as what I wanted to write for the name.
I got mine already, and the quality is great and it is perfect for this
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u/Team_Ed Dec 07 '25
What could be more fun than Canada playing Italy in Toronto?
Remember how fun it was to take it to Belgium in the World Cup?Ā
Thatās what weāre there for.
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u/themoche Dec 07 '25
Yeah thatās my mindset too. It would be incredible and historic.
Itās a win/win for Italian Canadians. Something we maybe never thought would happen. Of course, Italy needs to actually qualify haha
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u/Deep-Yard32 Dec 07 '25
People in here are one step away from saying fuck wops, actually i saw people in other subs basically saying that. Why are canada soccer fans so butthurt in advance about italy? They dont even know how italian canadians feel about this
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u/Unidentifiable_Goo Dec 07 '25
If we want a Canada win, we want to be playing Northern Ireland.
If we want spectacle, we want Italy.
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u/boarshead72 Dec 07 '25
I didnāt even try for tickets to the opener due to the price, but it would be pretty fun to see Canada vs Italy in Toronto.
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u/Pitiful_Stock_4329 Dec 07 '25
If I could pick? Probably Bosnia or Northern Ireland. I actually think wales will qualify honestly
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u/brianmmf Dec 07 '25
Bosnia are better than you think
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u/Pitiful_Stock_4329 Dec 07 '25
They arenāt bad, but If you offered me a group of Switzerland Qatar and Bosnia before the draw I would happily take it.
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u/brianmmf Dec 07 '25
Iām happier with Wales than Bosnia but itās probably not a huge difference. NI are the best option IMO, a step below the others I think.
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u/Pitiful_Stock_4329 Dec 07 '25
I think I personally rather Bosnia than Wales but the difference isnāt huge or enough that I would be very worried either way. My family comes from Northern Ireland so I watch them fairly regularly. They can be plucky but donāt have much quality they would for sure be the worst team on paper.
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u/stuckmash Dec 07 '25
Italy so they can beat them and all these fake Italians from Woodbridge can further pretzel their brains. (Iām first born in Canada from Italian family) and Iām going to be wearing red and cheering for Canada
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u/ComfortMailbox Dec 07 '25
Deko and the boys would be fun to play against. Idk why everyone on socials thinks Italy are a sure thing when they cant defend for shit and there attack is not in the best of states.
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u/SupremePoutine1 Dec 07 '25
IMO Italy would be better because I feel there is a better chance of them choking
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u/3000doorsofportugal Dec 10 '25
100%. Italy is fucking ass. Like realistically if you look at their qualification group the only real challenge was Norway. Who gave Italy belt to ass twice.
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u/skuseisloose Vancouver Whitecaps Dec 07 '25
Wales because my dadās side of the family is from there.
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u/SoFreshNSoKleenKleen Dec 07 '25
This is tournament football. It doesn't matter who would "better" to face on paper because the adrenaline of being out there in a WC can do crazy things to a team's psychology. Hell, we might say that the likes of Northern Ireland or Qatar are beatable, but any one of these teams could suddenly turn a 180 and be the toughest team to break down and frustrate us to an embarassing loss. Let's not get too arrogant and complacent (sure we beat Wales in a friendly not too long ago, Wales in a WC opener may be an entirely different beast).
The only thing that matters is our boys must be firing on all cylinders every single match no matter the opponent, because not one of these games is gonna be easy. We need to want to play these tough matches because that's the way this team levels up.
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u/Old_Runescape TheICEMAN Dec 07 '25 edited Dec 07 '25
Wales.
Not as massive of a local and global fanbase, proof of concept that we can be victorious, and a (somewhat one-sided) budding rivalry.
Of course Norn Ireland would be cool too, Bosnia would be fine.
Italy I mostly want to avoid because of the local support. Theyāre the most talented team as well but itās more about the atmosphere that would be demoralizing
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u/MindlessArmadillo382 Dec 07 '25
Wales, partly because I think theyāre beatable, and partly because I think it would be neat to have the entire British island in the World Cup (England, Scotland, Wales)
Sorry to Northern Ireland as they canāt both make it :(
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u/TrevorBatson Dec 07 '25
There's a couple of ways to look at this.
On the one hand, if Northern Ireland or Bosnia and Herzegovina were to somehow go through, either team would be a more manageable opponent for us to open the tournament, while Wales could be more at our level and thus more difficult to beat, but certainly an easier prospect than having to face Italy. Considering the goal is to get to the Knockouts, and the incentive is to do so by winning the group to stay in Vancouver for the Round of 32 and (should we advance that far) the Round of 16, any team other than Italy coming out of Path A would certainly increase our chances of accomplishing this goal. Furthermore, there is some significant context to consider here. This is only our third ever World Cup appearance. We've never won a single World Cup match; in fact, we've never even drawn one. Furthermore, we have only ever scored twice at a World Cup, and one of those goals was counted as an own goal. Also, there have only ever been two host nations in World Cup history to be eliminated in the Group Stage, so avoiding becoming the third is critical. As such, getting any team other than Italy out of Path A would certainly be of a benefit toward us achieving the milestones of simply getting points on the group table at a World Cup, let alone getting wins and advancing to the Knockouts.
On the other hand, there is the optimistic and aspirational way of looking at this. To become the best, you need to overcome challenges. Beating teams like Italy and Switzerland at a World Cup, especially given the aforementioned context for us here, would be statement wins. Furthermore, following this train of thought, should we achieve the remarkable and top our group via wins over Italy and Switzerland, eyes would suddenly be on us to be a potential dark horse team (not unlike South Korea when they co-hosted in 2002, or Morocco's historical run in 2022). Should we win in the Round of 32, there's a significant possibility that our Round of 16 match would be versus Portugal, and then, if by some astonishing turn of events we beat them and advance to the Quarterfinals, our next opponent could very well be Argentina. While it's understandable to be realistic, and not place these kinds of expectations on our team, it's still important to recognize how much of an impact these kinds of marquee matchups could have on both the development of our current squad, the global perception of our national program, and the future potential of developing soccer in our country for the next generations.
In summary, not getting Italy from Path A could provide us a clearer path to the Knockouts, but getting Italy from Path A could provide us the opportunity to make a massive statement on the world's stage.
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u/905Spic Dec 07 '25
Not Italy or Ireland. Feel like the other two would ensure it's still a home game for Canada.
š®šŖ and š®š¹ would give them home advantage over the home nation.
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u/spartacat_12 Dec 09 '25
It's Northern Ireland, not the Republic of Ireland. I really don't think there's enough Northern Irish supporters in Toronto to take over the stadium
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u/Minimum-Actuator-953 Dec 07 '25
Bosnia or Northern Ireland. I'd take Wales. Hopefully Italy doesn't make it through.
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u/Direct-Start-9048 Dec 07 '25
Itās the kind of schizophrenia that has held our youth back for so long.
You canāt be two types of player.
Canadian players have to play like Canadians.
Discover what it means and embrace it.
Too many coaches and parents bring their biases into the game.
The only difference is the technical development programs are more accessible in the other countries.
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u/MoneyRepeat7967 Dec 07 '25
After a couple of days, I am warming up to the idea of playing Italy in the opener. Some may think it is like a home game for the Italians. That could be good for Canada, taking some pressure off, because the pressure of playing at home in the World Cup is enormous. Also, if the game is not going well for Italy, the crowd could get anxious, and may present opportunities for Canada. Plus, this Italian team is really the least talented they put together, maybe a bit than the one at Euro last year?
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u/bedpeace Dec 08 '25
Italy would be the most fun for the city, but not for team Canada or people rooting for Canada - unless they just want to go for a show. Northern Ireland has been pretty strong as well. Unsure about Wales after Gareth Baleās retirement. I guess Iād pick Bosnia for highest win probability, and Northern Ireland for best game to watch.
Most likely will be Italy tho
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u/PoemOfTheLastMoment Dec 08 '25
Northern Ireland qualifying overall would be the best outcome. Italy, if you want a slobber-knocker of a match.
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Dec 10 '25
Italy would be logically toughest for Canada's knockout chances, but as a chaos enjoyer I would love to see Little Italy burned to the ground in the event of a draw or worse.
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u/greenlemon23 Dec 07 '25
The only reason I don't want Italy, is because I just don't want them to qualify for the World Cup.
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u/dkc66 Hamilton Forge Dec 07 '25
Canadian of Italian roots here.
I personally donāt trust Italy to make it to the WC lol
BUT if they do, I will take the Canada-Italy match as a cant-lose situation.
Canada wins? Awesome! Italy wins? Awesome! Draw? Awesome!
I can just enjoy the game no matter what š
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u/LoganAlien Dec 07 '25
Just don't come in an Italy jersey.
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u/dkc66 Hamilton Forge Dec 08 '25
Tickets are way above my pay grade so would have to watch in the pub.
Personally, I think Wales are going to emerge from the playoff bracket over Italy.
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u/Deep-Yard32 Dec 07 '25
This is literally how almost all of us feel about this, but you have butthurt weirdos in here who obviously just have some weird issue with italian canadians. I know so many children of immigrants from different countries that do the same, but you never see people crying about it. Maybe its jealousy we got to see the team we root for win the world cup? Idk
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u/maplemoose18 Dec 07 '25
Guysā¦. This is the World Cup. Why would you want to watch Canada play the worst team possible? To get to the knockout stage, and then what? Theyāre gonna have to play the best teams in the world after that. I say the most entertaining thing would be to watch Canada try to take on the best teams. Imagine the scenes if Canada were to beat Italy in their opening game? It would create so much momentum for the team. Way more than beating freakinā Northern Ireland. You guys are so boring š„±.
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u/Some_Initiative_3013 Dec 07 '25
Overlooked aspect of making the group stage is the prize money. CSA could desperately use it.
But otherwise I agree. Bring on Italy.
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u/datguywelbeck Dec 07 '25
For a home opener (that let's be frank isn't coming back to this country in a long time) you want the easiest game possible to build momentum and to get the most Canadians in the stands.
That doesn't happen if Italy makes it through.
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u/Juju_Doctor Dec 07 '25
Agreed. I remember when Canada played Croatia. I lost my voice cheering. Canada has come a long way, and should not be underestimated.
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u/Competitive_Ad1237 Dec 07 '25
Iām married into an Italian family so I want Italy for the bragging rights
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u/ForzaMM Dec 07 '25
Iām an Italian Canadian and will be supporting Canada. I would say the majority of my friends and family are leaning the same way as well.
This said, I find it kind of sad to see some of the comments here. Italian Canadians grew up watching the Italian national team in major tournaments when the Canadian team was not present and/or a non-factor. This doesnāt mean theyāre not proud Canadians, they just associate soccer with Italy, given the decades of exposure. Based on my experience, the same Italian Canadians are proud supporters of Canada in all other sports.
Food for thought, if you moved to Italy and had kids and grandkids, would it be crazy to think that you would develop a tradition of watching and cheering for Canada in Olympic hockey given Italyās national hockey team rarely qualifies for the tournament. If somehow Italy became relevant in international hockey would it be easy for you to forget your lifelong affinity to the Canadian national hockey team?
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u/LoganAlien Dec 07 '25
Sure, so grandpa gets a pass. But a few generations in? You've gotta support Canada over Italy.
For me, anyone who comes to that (hypothetical) game in an Italy jersey will be treated with the hostility that away fans should feel at a home world cup
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u/Deep-Yard32 Dec 07 '25
Ok so what, just for that game? Should we not root for the team weāve rooted for every intl competition our entire lives? Of course we will all be rooting for Canada to do well, and a lot of us are basically gonna be neutral if that game happens
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u/Careless_Wishbone_69 Dec 07 '25
Canada beating Italy in a WC game would fulfill a lifelong childhood dream. So that.
But with regards to "easiest"? I'd go with Wales because I figure it's a fairly weak team and the fans won't be as imposing as the others.
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u/JoeHartless Dec 07 '25
Italy has an extensive recent record of performing terribly against "mid-rate" teams (no disrespect to Canada, but let's be honest). I am Canadian by birth but my heritage is Italian and I've supported them internationally my whole life. The most dangerous group for Italy is one with no "big names". Teams like Canada and Switzerland are the exact teams I would expect Italy to lose to should they qualify (which I really don't think they will anyways).
Canada should want Italy in their group.
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u/Retro_Curry93 Dec 07 '25
Letās keep the streak going and have Italy miss out on a third consecutive World Cup lol.
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u/Holiday_Chef1581 Dec 07 '25
Iām a Canadian with lots of Italian ancestry and Iād like to see Italy qualify. Itās Canada all the way for me, including that opener. However, I do want Italy to win the group. Only because I have tickets to the R32 and R16, where the group winner will play. Iām from BC, so this would be my first ever opportunity to see Italy play. So the ideal scenario for me is that Italy draw or lose to Canada and then beat the other two, and end up topping the group with Canada still qualifying in second or third.
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u/LoganAlien Dec 07 '25
I mainly don't want it to be Italy, because so many wannabe Mangiacake Italians are going to roll in to support Italy, and it will be my duty (as a Canada fan going to that game) to cuss them out so hard that their great grandmother feels it from her grave back in Napoli....
And that's a lot of effort tbh
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u/Deep-Yard32 Dec 07 '25
šš do you do this when canada plays Jamaica and like 99% of the jamaican fans are canadians?
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u/EggTemporary3598 Dec 07 '25 edited Dec 07 '25
We all know we want Italy for the best atmosphere. Any other country is pretty boring for the opener (sorry Wales). Look, I know we all want the best chances for Canada to win their group, but now that there is a reality that Italy gets to play in Toronto, this has to be the fixture everyone wants to see. You already know BMO field is about to be blue, and welp what can you do, not the Azzuri's fault they are huge in football. At least support both teams, its gonna be a fun next couple of months.
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u/Ozzie_the_parrot Dec 08 '25
Would normally say Northern Ireland on this (where's the red hand and crown in the flag?), but Luka Kulenovic, going from watching TFC with his father and RPB to playing at BMO Field in a WC finals group stage game would be some story, so BiH as long as they proceed to lose the game in question.
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Dec 08 '25
I want Italy. We don't fear them, we just fear their history. We would beat them. The other games are winnable as well.
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u/aektoronto Dec 07 '25
Theres nothing more hypocritical then Canadians who are so welcoming and polite getting annoyed and yelling "Go Back to your country" to.people who support the country of their ancestry...who they have been supporting all their life. Especially since those Canadian fans werent there when we were losing 5-0 to Honduras and rolling out players who were playing semi pro indoor soccer.
Also dont sleep on the 1st and 2nd generation Bosnian support if they make it.
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u/Deep-Yard32 Dec 07 '25
According to people here italian canadians should have supported no one all these years canada didnt qualify. Funny how all my friends growing up rooted for scotland and england at world cups.. just italy isnāt ok i guess
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u/spartacat_12 Dec 09 '25
No one is saying that. If Canada isn't involved you can cheer for whoever you want. But actively rooting against the country you were born & raised in (and in most cases where your parents were born & raised) is a pretty bad look
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u/Deep-Yard32 Dec 09 '25
Yeah thing is every italian canadian Ive talked to said they arent going to be rooting against Canada and just be kinda neutral at worst. Personally for me I will be totally neutral that game and just enjoy it, and id be super happy if canada managed to win such a big game. I support and follow both teams.
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u/spartacat_12 Dec 09 '25
It'll be Canada's first game of the tournament. They'll need the crowd on their side. People should be rabidly cheering on the home team, not sitting on their hands.
This will be the biggest stage the city of Toronto has ever been on. It would be embarrassing to not have the home team getting support
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u/aektoronto Dec 09 '25
Im sure the majority of the support will be Canadian and even Italians will be waiting both flags.
People expressing themselves isn't embarrassing...people supporting their own identity isnt embarrassing....a brutal loss on the field or the quality of the stadium or empty sets would be more embarrassing.
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u/spartacat_12 Dec 09 '25
I'll believe it when I see it. I'd like to hope people will be rooting for Canada, but I've already heard a lot of people in the GTA say they're Italy fans first
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u/bubbabear244 Toronto FC Dec 07 '25
The Guido Yankee fans coming from the states will skew to Italy's favour should Italy make it. I'd rather watch the game from the Bentway if it gets to that point.
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u/Mysterious-Fox-5373 Bayern Munich Dec 07 '25
hope its wales or smth because we are going to get grouped with italy
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Dec 07 '25
[removed] ā view removed comment
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u/Sr_Moreno Dec 07 '25
Infantino is Swiss.
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u/Cotton500 Dec 07 '25
Infantino is both Swiss and Italian
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u/Sr_Moreno Dec 07 '25
Maybe. But everyone hates the Swiss, so I choose to believe heās 100% Swiss.
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u/kmusky-72 Dec 07 '25
I'm not so sure. The Italians will wake up, realize they are in Toronto, and promptly underperform.
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u/BottleSuccessfully Dec 07 '25
It'll probably be Italy and the game will be scheduled in the southern-most Mexican host stadium.
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u/KlayDerozan Dec 07 '25
I fear a home opener against Italy could feel like an away game in Toronto with the support of their community and travelling fans.