What to know
- A FIFA-themed episode of MasterChef U.S. was filmed at Brampton Soccer Centre, where contestants prepared elevated game-day foods for local young soccer players while special guests Gordon Ramsay and Mauricio Pochettino joined the event.
- In the “World Cup Cookoff” episode, Ramsay and Pochettino interacted with young athletes, while FIFA mascots also made appearances to help promote the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
- Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown praised the production for showcasing the city’s youth talent on an international platform and called the involvement of both Ramsay and Pochettino an exciting opportunity for the community.
- Social media users celebrated seeing Brampton featured on a major TV show, though some viewers criticized the episode for not mentioning Canada or Brampton and for using U.S. Soccer branding despite being filmed in Canada.
As FIFA preparations continue across Toronto, the MasterChef U.S. team cooked something up ahead of time in a Brampton soccer complex, with appearances from star chef Gordon Ramsay and Argentine football manager Mauricio Pochettino.
MasterChef is an amateur cooking competition show, with judging led by Ramsay. The U.S. show is typically shot out of Toronto, but for one special soccer-themed episode ahead of FIFA, the show’s crew and contestants made the drive to Brampton Soccer Centre, where a group of young local athletes were waiting to practice soccer, and try some high-end food.
In season 16, episode 8, titled “World Cup Cookoff,” the contestants must elevate classic game-day meals, including burgers, chicken and fries, before feeding the young athletes.
Prior to the competition, Ramsay took the centre of the net, as all of the kids attempted to score on him at once, as Pochettino cheered them on.
The episode was themed to promote the upcoming FIFA games, with the tournament’s international mascots also coming in to say hello to the athletes.
What did the mayor have to say about the appearances?
Following the episode’s release on June 3, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown told Now Toronto the appearance by both Ramsay and Pochettino in the city made him proud.
“Having a globally recognized program like MasterChef choose Brampton as a filming location is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our city to audiences around the world,” Brown stated in an email.
Additionally, Brown said the appearance was important for the young athletes involved, with the city’s Recreation staff helping to connect the show with youth soccer groups and nearby schools.
“Brampton is home to incredible young talent, and it was wonderful to see our youth showcased as part of the episode,” he said.
Brown also said he didn’t initially know Pochettino would be involved, something he said was a welcome surprise.
“The presence of Gordon Ramsay, one of the world’s most recognizable culinary personalities, was certainly exciting. Learning afterward that Mauricio Pochettino was also involved added another level of excitement,” he said. “With FIFA World Cup 2026 approaching, it was fitting to see soccer celebrated in a city that is so passionate about the sport and so rich in soccer talent.”
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Online reaction
Following the release of the latest episode, fans of the show and Brampton residents took to social media to share their excitement behind the city’s shoutout.
“Mauricio Pochettino and Gordon Ramsay at the Brampton Soccer Centre filming a #USMNT edition of MasterChef was not on my #FIFAWorldCup bingo card 🤔,” one X user wrote.
Other fans replied to a post by Ramsay, ahead of the episode’s release.
“OMG, I can’t believe this was filmed in Brampton, ON, Canada, where I live, and I didn’t know you were here. I’ve been to the Brampton Sports Centre a few times,” one Instagram user wrote.
Another Instagram user added to the support, sharing a gif that said “Welcome to Canada.”
“Kids from my son’s school were in this [episode]. So fun to watch his friends on the screen!” another Instagram user wrote.
While many Brampton residents loved the representation, some were upset to see the episode didn’t mention being in Canada, Brampton or the soccer centre at all.
“I watched and they absolutely did not even acknowledge or say this took place in Canada 😂😂😂😂” one Instagram user wrote.
“The most ridiculous part of this is it’s all U.S. soccer stuff,” another Instagram user said. “The kids are all wearing shirts with U.S. soccer logos and [there are] U.S. soccer logos in the background. Why bother filming in Canada if you’re going to make it look like you’re in the U.S.”
Another Instagram user agreed, adding the jerseys should represent Canada instead.
“[Pochettino] and [Ramsay] wearing American kit… why film in Canada? Rep Canada 🇨🇦”
The FIFA World Cup countdown concert spans Canada, the U.S. and Mexico on Wednesday at 7 p.m., with the first game in Toronto seeing Team Canada and Team Bosnia and Herzegovina face off on Friday.
