Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, has issued the following statement regarding Canada’s successful bid to co-host the FIFA 2026 World Cup:

“I congratulate the United bid on its success.

"Our government has a responsibility to ensure that B.C. taxpayers are not on the hook for hidden costs.

“The Province carefully assesses all sport events for value to taxpayers.

“The FIFA bid agreement contained clauses, which government felt left taxpayers at unacceptable risk of additional costs. We tried very hard to get assurances that addressed our concerns. Unfortunately, those assurances were not forthcoming.

“I am happy for Canadian soccer fans that some of the World Cup matches are coming to Canadian host cities.”