Vancouver’s Corrado Lenzi was watching the televised results of the FIFA 2026 World Cup draw with his 11-year-old son, Luca, on Friday morning at home. The pair erupted with excitement when the news hit that their family’s heritage team could be coming to Vancouver to play Canada. Article content

“We stared at each other, thinking, what are the odds?” he said. “Italy in Canada — it would be a win-win for us, no matter who wins.” Article content Article content

Vancouver soccer fans will get a front-row seat to the Cup as Canada takes on Qatar and Switzerland at B.C. Place on June 18 and 24. The city could also host a European playoff winner, with Italy, Northern Ireland, Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina vying for a spot.

The Canadian city will see seven games, including five group-

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