Italy's Gianluca Mancini, left, and Bosnia's Ermedin Demirovic tussle during the World Cup qualifying playoff final soccer match between Bosnia and Italy in Zenica, Bosnia, Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)

By The Canadian Press

Cheers turn to sadness in Toronto’s Little Italy as Bosnia wins World Cup qualifier

Mar 31, 2026 | 1:51 PM

TORONTO — Disappointment swept the heart of Toronto’s Little Italy today as the Italian soccer team lost its bid to qualify for the upcoming FIFA World Cup and face Canada in the country’s opening match.

Bosnia-Herzegovina won the playoff game that determined 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 — were 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.

But the celebration soured after Italy lost the match in a penalty shootout after the game was tied 1-1.

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Fans had said an Italy win today would have taken on a special meaning, but those hopes were dashed.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 31, 2026.

The Canadian Press