NYC Italian enclaves left out of the party as World Cup comes to US with Italy on sidelines: ‘Turned the lights off’
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming to the New York area, but Italian-American communities like Arthur Avenue in The Bronx and Rossville on Staten Island are disheartened because Italy failed to qualify for the tournament. Longtime fans and local business owners express frustration over missing the excitement and economic boost that comes with supporting the Italian national team. With Italy absent for the third consecutive World Cup, some are shifting allegiance to the U.S. team or struggling to find motivation to celebrate the event.
- ▪Italy has failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the third consecutive time the national team has missed the tournament.
- ▪Local businesses in Italian enclaves like Arthur Avenue and Rossville fear a loss of customers and community spirit during the World Cup games.
- ▪Eight World Cup matches will be held at MetLife Stadium in nearby East Rutherford, New Jersey, increasing the sense of proximity and disappointment for New York-area Italian Americans.
- ▪David Greco, owner of Mike’s Deli in The Bronx, expressed frustration over Italy’s continued soccer struggles despite their Euro Cup 2020 win.
- ▪Orazio Carciotto, a dual U.S.-Italian citizen and owner of Casa Della Mozzarella, said he plans to support the U.S. team in Italy’s absence.
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Metro NYC Italian enclaves left out of the party as World Cup comes to US with Italy on sidelines: ‘Turned the lights off’ By Kevin Sheehan and David DeTurris Published May 4, 2026, 7:00 a.m. ET It’s a local disgrazia! The World Cup is coming to the New York area in a few weeks but some of the Big Apple’s most famous neighborhoods feel left out of the party because the Italian team failed to qualify for the tournament — again. 3 As the 2026 FIFA World Cup heads to the New York area, the heavily Italian-populated community of Arthur Avenue in The Bronx feels left out as Italy has failed to qualify for the tournament.
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