Media Contacts

Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

Media Relations
Jill.Nessel@gov.bc.ca

City of Vancouver

Vancouver Host Committee
media@vancouver.ca

Backgrounders

What people are saying about the benefits of hosting FIFA World Cup 2026

Rehana Din, CEO, PavCo

“The strategic investments that have been made at BC Place both deliver on FIFA’s requirements, but also help ensure the stadium can continue to attract the world’s best sports, music and major events, and support ongoing success for our tenant teams well into the future. The renovations and upgrades are fully on track and on budget, and we’re ready to successfully deliver on the best possible experience for British Columbians and guests from around the world.”

Jessie Adcock, lead and chief delivery officer, Vancouver Host Committee –

“Vancouver’s Host Committee has worked diligently with government and delivery partners to plan an unforgettable FIFA World Cup 2026 experience for locals and visitors alike. Throughout our planning, we’ve remained steadfast in our commitment to hosting a tournament that is safe and enjoyable, while delivering on our fiscal responsibilities as a municipal government body. We’re excited to showcase the best of Vancouver this summer and make an essential investment in our communities and industries across the region.”

Richard Porges, CEO, Destination BC

“FIFA World Cup 2026 represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase British Columbia on the global stage, with an estimated one billion viewers tuning in for the seven matches in Vancouver. As one of only two Canadian provinces hosting matches, B.C. has an opportunity to strengthen its global profile, attract new visitors, and create long-term tourism and economic benefits beyond 2026. By welcoming visitors and viewers alike to experience B.C., we can increase lasting interest in our destination for years to come.”

Royce Chwin, CEO, Destination Vancouver

 “FIFA World Cup 2026 will put Vancouver in front of billions of viewers around the world, creating a level of global awareness and visibility that cities rarely have the chance to achieve. Long after the final match, that spotlight will continue to influence how people see Vancouver as a place to visit, invest, study, build a business and host international events. We’ve seen the lasting impact that Expo 86 and the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games had on elevating Vancouver’s global profile, and FIFA World Cup 2026 is an opportunity to build on that legacy for a new generation.”

Deputy Chief Don Chapman, Vancouver Police Department –

“With FIFA World Cup 2026 fast approaching, the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) is poised to support the delivery of yet another world-class event in the City of Vancouver. Public safety is our No. 1 priority and over the 39-day FIFA World Cup 2026 period, you will see additional VPD members, along with partner police agencies from B.C. and Alberta in the community and in venues specific to the FIFA World Cup 2026. We will all be working together to keep the city safe throughout the event.”

Amber Papou, CEO, Tourism Industry Association of BC

“With the FIFA World Cup 2026 just weeks away, we’re excited to welcome visitors and fans to B.C. and showcase our world-class hospitality throughout the province. Welcoming visitors before, during and after the tournament will deliver significant benefits for the tourism sector, local businesses and the people behind them. This once-in-a-generation opportunity is a chance to share the spirit of B.C., and inspire first-time visitors to return long after the final whistle.”

Gabriel Assis, CEO, BC Soccer –

“Hosting world-class events like the FIFA World Cup 2026 in British Columbia represents more than a single moment, it’s a catalyst to ignite communities, inspire athletes at every level, and elevate our province on the global stage. With this momentum, we can increase visibility and engagement, accelerating the growth of sport throughout British Columbia, while showcasing the strength, passion and potential of our soccer ecosystem.”

Paul Hawes, president and CEO, BC Hotel Association –

“The hotel community across British Columbia has invested significantly in preparing to welcome visitors from around the world during the FIFA World Cup. Hotels are the backbone of the province’s tourism industry, and this is an opportunity to showcase the exceptional hospitality, destinations and experiences that make BC world class. The industry believes the global exposure generated by the tournament will help inspire future travel to the province for years to come.”

Bridgitte Anderson, president and CEO, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade

“Events like the FIFA World Cup 2026 build on Vancouver’s legacy of sport as a driver of economic growth. Bringing visitors, investment and global attention to our region helps local businesses while positioning Greater Vancouver as a dynamic, world-class destination for years to come.”

Vancouver’s FIFA World Cup 2026 plans remain on track

With less than two weeks to go until FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off, the City of Vancouver is on track to host an unforgettable summer of sport, culture and community. Vancouver’s Host Committee has been working diligently to plan a safe, enjoyable experience, while working to ensure the tournament budget remains balanced.

In collaboration with the Province of British Columbia, BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo), Vancouver International Airport (YVR), the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, and FIFA26 Canada, Vancouver is ready to welcome the world and host an exceptional tournament. The tournament will showcase the traditional territory of the local First Nations, Vancouver, British Columbia, and Canada on the global stage, which is expected to generate substantial economic and tourism benefits.

By hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026, the city is making a strategic investment with immediate economic benefits, sustained long-term economic growth and lasting legacies. The city continues to prioritize responsible cost management, while working to ensure benefits for the community for generations to come.

Updated City of Vancouver and overall host city budget projections

The City of Vancouver is currently projecting core and essential costs in the range of $320 million to $338 million to deliver the seven FIFA World Cup 2026 matches and other directly related events such as the FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver. This compares to the June 2025 estimate of $261 million to $281 million in costs.

These updated estimates reflect further refinement of safety and security plans and plans for FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver and other event areas.

In addition to the core and essential hosting costs incurred by the city, there are also costs involved in engaging other public-sector organizations to deliver required host city services that are beyond the city’s jurisdiction, such as public-sector transportation, ambulance and other health services. The expected costs for services delivered by these other public-sector services are estimated in the range of $67 million to $74 million.

Offsetting the costs described above, the City of Vancouver is projecting revenues from the major events municipal and regional district tax (MRDT) in the range of $250 million to $260 million, plus $43 million to $53 million comprised of commercial and FIFA Fan Festival revenue, facility rental fees paid by FIFA, and the city’s direct contribution of $5 million. In addition, combined provincial and City of Vancouver safety and security costs of approximately $242 million are being partially offset by Government of Canada funding of $100 million.  

Estimate ranges have been developed for costs and revenues to recognize that there are inherent risks and uncertainties remaining from now until the end of the event. The estimates reflect a normal range of risks that could be reasonably expected for an event of this size and scale and include contingency allocations.

As kickoff for the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, it is important to note that there are various factors outside the city’s control that could impact the final cost. However, the city is committed to managing costs responsibly and continues to actively pursue event-related revenue opportunities to help offset any expenses that may exceed the current estimate.

Legacy and community benefits

The tournament will leave meaningful physical and operational legacies, post-event. Physical legacies include substantial upgrades to BC Place Vancouver and maintaining the natural grass play field at Killarney Park, including the upgraded utilities, energy-efficient high-mast lighting, and new drainage and irrigation system at that park.

Operational legacies include increased capacity and strengthened working relationships among the many public, private, and non-profit entities that are involved in planning and delivering the event. This high-profile, high-intensity collaborative work requires close inter-agency co-ordination, with sophisticated information sharing, communication, governance, and decision-making systems.

Regional public sector entities have developed strong technical and security expertise through their event planning efforts. All of these gains will have an enduring benefit for Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and local First Nations.

Key project updates

Last year saw several milestones achieved on the road to delivering the FIFA World Cup 2026 Vancouver. Here are some key highlights:

  • Early 2024-present – Rollout of host committee community outreach program: The host committee has delivered more than 300 community outreach activities to build public awareness for FIFA World Cup Vancouver 2026 and provide timely information on community impacts and opportunities. A comprehensive update on the community outreach program will be shared following the tournament.
  • December 2025 – Final match schedule released: Vancouver will host five group stage matches featuring Australia, Belgium, Canada, Egypt, New Zealand, Qatar and Switzerland, in addition to two knockout round games.
  • December 2025 – Work nears completion at Venue Specific Training Site (VSTS): Work to transform Killarney Park into a VSTS was largely completed in December 2025, ahead of schedule and on budget.
  • February 2026 – Host City Dressing Program begins: The dressing program, or official tournament look, was first rolled out at the former Hudson’s Bay building in downtown Vancouver and can now be seen at locations around the city. The program will bring the vibrant tournament atmosphere to Vancouver’s streets, bridges, transit stations and public spaces, creating a consistent visual identity.
  • March 2026 – Volunteer training begins: More than 130,000 volunteer applications were submitted internationally and domestically and training began in March for over 3,200 key volunteer roles at key locations across Vancouver.
  • March to April 2026 – FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver lineup and event details announced: The program will deliver 28 days of live entertainment throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026, positioning the FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver among the largest live music experiences ever staged in the city. Learn more here: https://www.vancouverfwc26.ca/fifa-fan-festival
  • May 2026 – Host Committee and delivery partners launch Know Before You Go campaign: Featuring essential information for match-goers, festival attendees and residents to support a safe, enjoyable tournament experience, while introducing visitors from around the world to Vancouver as an inclusive, welcoming and world-class host city. See the full release: https://www.vancouverfwc26.ca/news/vancouver-is-ready-are-you-plan-ahead-for-an-unforgettable-fifa-world-cup-2026-tm-vancouver
  • May 2026 – Vancouver announces host city supporter program lineup: Through the program, the nine legacy and brand partners will play a key role in promoting FIFA World Cup 2026 and provide the opportunity for Vancouver’s Host Committee to generate revenue and help offset hosting costs. See the full release: https://www.vancouverfwc26.ca/news/vancouver-announces-world-class-host-city-supporter-lineup-ahead-of-fifa-world-cup-2026-tm

Stay connected

Vancouver’s hosting journey will begin on June 13, 2026, and includes five group stage matches, two of which feature Canada, and two knockout round matches. To learn more about the FIFA World Cup 2026 Vancouver, visit www.vancouverfwc26.ca. Follow the Instagram, X and Facebook accounts @FWC26 Vancouver.

Media Contacts

City of Vancouver

Vancouver Host Committee
media@vancouver.ca