Toronto's multi-culturalism on full display for city's World Cup trophy visit

TORONTO, May 25 : Hundreds of fans draped in the colours of countries from across the globe gathered outside Toronto's city hall on Monday to catch a glimpse of the World Cup trophy, offering a preview of the multicultural spectacle the city promises to deliver when the tournament kicks off next month.

The city's rich cultural diversity was on full display around a sunny Nathan Phillips Square, from families in Colombia's bright yellow jerseys to fans wearing German and Croatian national flags as capes among a strong contingent sporting Canada's red and white colours.

Former Italian defender and 2006 World Cup winner Alessandro Nesta was on site to unveil the gleaming 18-karat solid gold World Cup trophy, which was in town as part of a global tour leading up to the tournament's June 11 kickoff.

Some of Toronto's six matches will feature countries from Africa, Central America and Europe. 

"No matter where you're from, what language you speak, what team you're cheering for, the beautiful game has a unique power to unite all of us," Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow told the crowd.

"And that spirit of connection reflects Toronto itself, one of the most diverse cities in the world and a city that truly loves soccer."

Immigrants represented 23 per cent of Canada's population according to the 2021 census, while the 2016 census found that more than half of Toronto's population was born outside Canada. 

For some Toronto residents, that multi-culturalism is what makes the city and Canada a special place to co-host the tournament that will feature 48 nations.  

"It's amazing because every team here will feel like they're at home, because we have people from everywhere," said Gonzalo Fernandez, a Colombian native who stopped by to see the trophy.