In season 16, episode 8<\/a>, titled \u201cWorld Cup Cookoff,\u201d the contestants must elevate classic game-day meals, including burgers, chicken and fries, before feeding the young athletes.<\/p>\nPrior 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.<\/p>\n
The episode was themed to promote the upcoming FIFA games, with the tournament\u2019s international mascots also coming in to say hello to the athletes.<\/p>\n
What did the mayor have to say about the appearances?<\/p>\n
Following the episode\u2019s release on June 3, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown told Now Toronto the appearance by both Ramsay and Pochettino in the city made him proud.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving 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,\u201d Brown stated in an email.<\/p>\n
Additionally, Brown said the appearance was important for the young athletes involved, with the city\u2019s Recreation staff helping to connect the show with youth soccer groups and nearby schools.<\/p>\n
\u201cBrampton is home to incredible young talent, and it was wonderful to see our youth showcased as part of the episode,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Brown also said he didn\u2019t initially know Pochettino would be involved, something he said was a welcome surprise.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe presence of Gordon Ramsay, one of the world\u2019s most recognizable culinary personalities, was certainly exciting. Learning afterward that Mauricio Pochettino was also involved added another level of excitement,\u201d he said. \u201cWith 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Online reaction<\/p>\n
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\u2019s shoutout.<\/p>\n
\u201cMauricio Pochettino and Gordon Ramsay at the Brampton Soccer Centre filming a #USMNT edition of MasterChef was not on my #FIFAWorldCup bingo card \ud83e\udd14,\u201d one X user wrote.<\/p>\n
Other fans replied to a post by Ramsay, ahead of the episode\u2019s release.<\/p>\n
\u201cOMG, I can\u2019t believe this was filmed in Brampton, ON, Canada, where I live, and I didn\u2019t know you were here. I\u2019ve been to the Brampton Sports Centre a few times,\u201d one Instagram user wrote.<\/p>\n
Another Instagram user added to the support, sharing a gif that said \u201cWelcome to Canada.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cKids from my son\u2019s school were in this [episode]. So fun to watch his friends on the screen!\u201d another Instagram user wrote.<\/p>\n
While many Brampton residents loved the representation, some were upset to see the episode didn\u2019t mention being in Canada, Brampton or the soccer centre at all.<\/p>\n
\u201cI watched and they absolutely did not even acknowledge or say this took place in Canada \ud83d\ude02\ud83d\ude02\ud83d\ude02\ud83d\ude02\u201d one Instagram user wrote.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe most ridiculous part of this is it\u2019s all U.S. soccer stuff,\u201d another Instagram user said. \u201cThe 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\u2019re going to make it look like you\u2019re in the U.S.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another Instagram user agreed, adding the jerseys should represent Canada instead.<\/p>\n
\u201c[Pochettino] and [Ramsay] wearing American kit\u2026 why film in Canada? Rep Canada \ud83c\udde8\ud83c\udde6\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n