Summary
- Projected overall net core and essential provincial costs of hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 matches have been reduced by $31 million compared to 2025 estimates, from a high of $145 million to a high of $114 million
- The provincially established Major Events Municipal and Regional District Tax remains the largest single revenue source dedicated to help offset gross FIFA World Cup 2026 costs
- The Government of Canada is providing as much as $116 million to support operations and infrastructure related to hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 and intends to provide an additional $100 million to B.C. to help offset safety and security costs
- Hosting the Vancouver tournament is expected to result in significant provincial economic benefits through approximately 350,000 spectators at BC Place and approximately $1 billion in GDP during the tournament and in the five years following the event
- FIFA World Cup 2026 will help showcase British Columbia to a global audience through the Province’s Look West strategy, supporting tourism, trade and investment opportunities throughout B.C.
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The Province, City of Vancouver and BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo) have released updated estimates of costs, offsetting revenues and economic benefits for FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in Vancouver.
“Hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 is an incredible opportunity to welcome the world, while supporting local businesses, creating jobs and delivering lasting benefits for B.C.’s economy,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Thanks to careful planning, disciplined financial management and participation from our partners, the Province’s projected overall net provincial costs of hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 matches have been reduced by $31 million compared to 2025 estimates.”
Economic benefits
BC Stats, in consultation with Destination BC, has developed a 2026 Economic Impact Assessment. Preliminary results from the updated assessment show that hosting seven FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in Vancouver is still forecast to deliver significant tourism and other economic benefits for British Columbia, with projected long-term benefits remaining strong, despite changing global conditions. BC Stats will release this report to the public soon.
Economic impacts include:
- approximately 350,000 spectators attending seven matches at BC Place
- approximately one million additional out-of-province visitors to B.C. during the tournament and in the five years following the event
- approximately $1 billion in GDP supporting B.C.’s economy
- more than $200 million in direct, indirect and other related provincial tax revenues
The Province’s Look West strategy positions British Columbia as a reliable and competitive destination for Canadian and international investment, using global events, such as FIFA World Cup 2026, to showcase B.C.’s strengths to audiences around the world.
“Hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Vancouver is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase British Columbia to the world, while delivering lasting economic benefits at home,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. “Through our Look West strategy, we’re using this global attention to attract investment, grow our economy and position B.C. as a top destination for business and investment.”
Projected net costs
- After deducting offsetting revenues, projected overall net core and essential provincial costs of hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 matches have been reduced by $31 million, compared to 2025 estimates, from a high of $145 million to an updated high of $114 million.
- Estimated costs for safety and security for the tournament and other event areas have been offset by increased revenues from federal contributions and other sources.
- The provincially established Major Events Municipal and Regional District Tax remains the largest single revenue source dedicated to help offset gross FIFA World Cup 2026 costs and is funded by travellers through a tax paid on accommodation in Vancouver.
Safety and security
The Province, Government of Canada, City of Vancouver, Vancouver Police Department and BC RCMP, and other agencies continue to work closely to co-ordinate a safe and secure World Cup experience for participants, spectators and visitors.
- Combined costs for local and provincial safety and security are estimated at approximately $242 million.
- In response to the Province’s recent request, the federal government has committed to contributing a further $100 million to B.C. to help offset safety and security costs.
“British Columbia is ready to welcome athletes and thousands of spectators from around the world for the largest single sporting event on the planet,” said Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “We’ve made the necessary investments and preparations to ensure a safe and secure experience for everyone attending and participating. I want to thank the City of Vancouver, federal government, Vancouver Police Department, the RCMP and other police agencies for their dedication, partnership and strong collaboration to ensure the necessary safety and security requirements are met.”
Partnerships
Hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 in Vancouver supports provincial priorities to build a sustainable economy, continue strengthening relationships with Indigenous Peoples and advance a commitment to support reconciliation.
“Hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 this summer is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to generate immediate economic benefits for Vancouver while creating lasting long-term legacies,” said Ken Sim, mayor of Vancouver. “Beyond the boost to our hospitality and entertainment industries, the tournament gives us a global platform to showcase Vancouver to billions of viewers as a world-class city to visit, invest in and build a future in. Events of this scale help attract new businesses, investment and top talent, while strengthening our international reputation and creating long-term opportunities for our local economy and communities.”
The FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament is being delivered through strong partnerships among the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, the Province, the Government of Canada, the City of Vancouver, Vancouver Airport Authority, BC Pavilion Corporation, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, and various safety and security partners. Partnerships with Destination BC and Destination Vancouver emphasize the vital role these organizations play in delivering an exceptional experience for visitors and marketing the province to the world.
“The Musqueam community is proud to serve as a host city supporter for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. We extend a warm welcome to FIFA, the participating nations, teams, and visitors from around the world as they gather on our territory for this historic event,” said yəχʷyaχʷələq Chief Wayne Sparrow, Musqueam Indian Band. “As we look ahead to this global celebration, we see an opportunity to create a lasting legacy of unity, collaboration and inspiration through the game that will benefit and uplift future generations. Soccer has a unique ability to bring people together across cultures and communities, reflecting values of connection, respect and shared experience that have long been central to Musqueam teachings and traditions.”
Sxwíxwtn Wilson Williams, chair, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) said: “It has been an honour for Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) to partner in the planning and staging of FIFA World Cup 2026. Hosting these matches provides an incredible opportunity for us to share our culture, our teachings, and history with the world. We look forward to warmly welcoming visitors from every corner of the globe to our traditional territory and invite them to experience the richness of our Sḵwx̱wú7mesh culture first-hand.”
Chief Justin George, səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) said: “Hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 on our shared, traditional lands is an extraordinary opportunity to showcase our səlilwətaɬ culture, history, and ambitions with the world and ensure everyone feels welcomed. We are proud to play a role in co-creating a spectacular tournament, one that is reflective of where we are and who we are, with lasting benefits that everyone can enjoy. We look forward to experiencing the profound unity this global event will inspire!"
This collaborative approach reflects a shared commitment to ensuring the FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament creates lasting economic, cultural and community benefits and delivers an event that is welcoming, memorable and safe.
“Hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Vancouver is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to welcome the world, showcase Canada, and create lasting benefits for people, infrastructure, businesses and communities across the country,” said Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport), and Canada’s FIFA Sherpa. “The Government of Canada is proud to work with the Province of British Columbia, the City of Vancouver, Indigenous partners and host communities to support a safe, successful and memorable tournament. Beyond the matches in Vancouver, this event will inspire young people, strengthen local sport, support tourism, infrastructure and create community legacies that will continue long after the final whistle.”
Legacy and community benefits
The Province is committed to harnessing social and economic benefits of the FIFA World Cup 2026 opportunities and making sure people in all regions of B.C. share in the benefits of hosting. Provincial investments include:
- $13 million for tourism and economic development initiatives that aim to open new markets and create long-term growth
- $10 million for the Mini Peaks initiative, which will deliver as many as 20 soccer mini pitches throughout the province, creating more opportunities for children and youth to play and develop skills, while the Vancouver Whitecaps FC is contributing an additional $3 million to support its success
- more than $1.7 million for 33 B.C. communities to host soccer-themed events, watch parties and Canada Celebrates stops
Provincial investments for tourism, economic development and community support initiatives are not part of core and essential hosting costs but are included in the May 2026 update as additional information.
Learn More:
- To see the technical briefing, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/FIFACostingRevenues.pdf
- To see provincial cost, revenue and economic benefit estimates, visit:
http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/ProvincialCostUpdateFIFA.pdf - To learn more about FIFA World Cup 2026 Vancouver, visit: www.vancouverfwc26.ca
- To learn about other ways the Province is supporting people and families, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/home/benefits
- To learn more about the Province's Tourism Sector Action Plan, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/look-west-strategy/diversifying-markets-and-growing-targeted-sectors/tourism-action-plan
Two backgrounders follow.
