I am the first person to admit that I was very wrong about the World Cup. I was unfortunately one of those people who brushed it off, as though this isn’t a once in a lifetime event for the city of Toronto, as though it isn’t amazing seeing so many different jerseys and hearing so many different languages on the street, knowing that people have come from far and wide to watch some men kick a ball around on grass. My best friend calls soccer the great equalizer sport, with the low barrier to entry meaning that soccer superstardom is more meritocratic than, say, hockey. That only adds to the blurry feelings of “togetherness” experienced when it seems like truly everyone around the world is dialled into the same feed. Such emotions often make me want to spend money — typically on drinks with friends, gathered around a TV on a patio and cheering against a country with deep colonial ties. So if you’re in the mood to rep your city as well as your country while also not looking terrible in garish red or black and white paint-splattered jerseys, we’ve rounded up the local brands putting out the best merch for the World Cup.
Better Gift Shop
Speaking of drinking, the best part of the Better Gift Shop drop isn’t the tees (which, to be fair, are good) but the pint glasses for when you’re tired of going out and want to catch a game at home. Summer burnout is real but it can easily be avoided (this is real and good advice!).
Libero
Gone but not forgotten. Italy may not have qualified for the World Cup (RIP), but Libero’s World Cup collection (aptly titled Libero F.C.) channels the Azzurri spirit that is so sorely missed by all my Italian friends. As someone who loves to boo refs at any sporting event, their “Surely That’s A Foul Ref!” shirt is totally sublime.
Adidem Asterisks
I personally find it quite difficult to style jerseys without looking like a little boy (I am a grown woman) and this World Cup, my mind and body yearn for something more subtle without having to sacrifice Being On Theme. The Adidem Asterisks raglan jerseys serve as a compromise for people who want to feel like they’re a part of something and still look very cool.
Danny’s Pizza Tavern
I cannot imagine making this list without plugging my favourite restaurant. I love my neighbourhood, and I love sitting at the bar, watching sports, and throwing back the house lager (served in a chilled glass!) at Danny’s Next Door with a friend (our running monologue in place of the broadcasters’ commentary being the closest I will come to podcasting in this lifetime). Sporting Danny’s tasteful World Cup merch while doing so means you get to look the part, too. Beware, no resos.