Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
Summary
- The Province, PavCo and the City of Vancouver are providing an additional 150 donated tickets to organizations serving children and youth facing barriers so they can experience FIFA World Cup 2026 matches
- 150 tickets have been added as donations to organizations serving children and youth who face barriers such as affordability, mental-health concerns and being newcomers to B.C.
- 350 tickets have been announced, bringing the total to 500 tickets for 50 B.C.-based organizations
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The Province, PavCo and the City of Vancouver are providing an additional 150 tickets to FIFA World Cup 2026 matches through the BC Place Community Benefit Program, increasing the total number of tickets being donated to children and youth from 350 to 500.
On May 14, 2026, the Province, PavCo and the City of Vancouver announced the initial donation of 350 tickets for children and youth to attend FIFA World Cup 2026 matches at BC Place. Originally, 35 community organizations were receiving 10 tickets each. This has been expanded to 50 recipients.
“We are taking action to make sure British Columbians have more opportunities to feel connected to the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026, particularly for young people experiencing barriers to access,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Sport brings us together and inspires dreams, and we are thrilled to help create this exciting moment of connection to the beautiful game and lasting memories for children and youth in our province.”
The initiative advances the Province’s commitment that every child deserves the chance to participate in and feel the benefits sport offers, regardless of their background or ability. The organizations receiving tickets serve children and youth, including those who are:
- supported by social services
- living with mental-health concerns, chronic or acute illness
- facing affordability barriers
- newcomers to B.C.
- have experienced displacement or difficult circumstances
Bringing benefits of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to more people in British Columbia
Working with PavCo and the City of Vancouver, the Province is helping remove barriers so more children and youth throughout British Columbia can be part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 experience. Providing these match tickets is one way the Province and partners are taking action to support equity and inclusion, while hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026.
“All children, including those on the autism spectrum, benefit from experiences that foster social connection, belonging, and inclusion,” said Britt Andersen, CEO, Canucks Autism Network. “Attending a World Cup match is a meaningful way to experience something new while feeling welcomed, valued and part of the community. Being in the crowd, cheering and feeling the excitement first-hand of a live sport event can create a special memory and a strong sense of belonging that can have a deep positive impact on their lives.”
The Province and partners are committed to ensuring B.C. residents, particularly young people, can experience the benefits of this once-in-a-generation opportunity beyond the matches.
“It’s so important for children and youth to have opportunities to take part in sport events,” said Jodie Wickens, Minister of Children and Family Development. “For the young people who were selected to experience the thrill of the FIFA World Cup 2026, this will create lasting memories and remind them that they are valued members of their communities.”
In addition to providing 500 free match tickets to children and youth, the Province provided $1.7 million for free, family-friendly events in 33 communities throughout B.C. where people can gather to watch matches live, take part in soccer-themed activities, enjoy local food and entertainment, and more.
In partnership with the City of Vancouver, the Province has also made general admission into the official FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver free, as well as 2,600 free standing-room general admission tickets to view matches at the PNE’s new amphitheatre.
BC Place Community Benefit Program
The BC Place Community Benefit Program supports community organizations by donating tickets for events at BC Place. This is part of the Province and PavCo’s commitment to advancing equity through making attendance more accessible to people in B.C. who face barriers to participation.
Applicants for the donated FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets were required to meet eligibility criteria. All recipient organizations are B.C.-based and registered charities, non-profit organizations or Indigenous community organizations that support children and youth.
The tickets being made available were purchased by the City of Vancouver and have been specifically allocated for this program. They will be provided to the recipient organizations free of charge and may not be resold, used for promotional or fundraising purposes or individual gain.
Quotes:
Rehana Din, president and CEO, PavCo –
“We’re incredibly grateful for the response from community organizations across the province to our BC Place Community Benefit Program and this chance to help children and youth experience the FIFA World Cup 2026. For many, this is an opportunity they may not otherwise have, and opening those doors is at the heart of PavCo’s commitment to community.”
Jessie Adcock, lead and chief delivery officer, Vancouver Host Committee –
“The FIFA World Cup 2026 brings people together and unites communities across the globe. By expanding the reach of these tickets, we’re ensuring more people can see themselves as part of the beautiful game and share in the energy and excitement that make it so special.”
Ken Sim, mayor of Vancouver –
“Major events like the FIFA World Cup should be accessible to everyone in our city. By increasing the number of tickets available to community organizations, more young people will be part of this historic moment. That’s how we are building an inclusive city and giving youth experiences they’ll carry with them for years to come.”
Kevin Julian, head of community, Burnaby Football Club –
“Opportunities to experience the FIFA World Cup 2026 in your home province is a once-in-a-lifetime moment and something many young athletes dream about. We are so grateful to be able to open the door for our players to be part of something truly special. The experience will inspire them, build their confidence and fuel their passion for the game.”
Richard Pass, CEO, Ronald McDonald House BC and Yukon –
“The gift of FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets is about more than attending a world-class sporting event. It gives a child and their family the chance to focus on joy rather than illness, create lasting memories together and experience a truly uplifting moment during an incredibly challenging time. We're grateful for opportunities like this that help families find connection, hope and moments of normalcy while staying close to care.”
Liz Adams, director of youth engagement, Urban Native Youth Association –
“UNYA raises our hands up in appreciation for this wonderful opportunity to bring youth to a FIFA World Cup match! T’ooyaksiy niin (thank you).”
Quick Facts:
- In 2025, more than 2,500 tickets were distributed to community groups and non-profits through the BC Place Community Benefit Program.
- The Province has provided $1.7 million to 33 B.C. communities to deliver free public events through the Community Event Support Fund.
- The Province is leveraging the FIFA World Cup 2026 to advance the Look West: Tourism Sector Action Plan to benefit people throughout B.C. by boosting economic opportunity and sustainably growing the tourism sector.
Learn More:
- To learn more about the BC Place Community Benefit Program, visit:
https://www.bcplace.com/community-benefit-program/ - Learn about the Province’s Look West strategy to strengthen the economy through the FIFA World Cup 2026:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/look-west-strategy - To learn more about the Community Event Support Fund and community-led FIFA celebrations, visit:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026TACS0020-000332 - To learn more about the Mini Peaks Legacy Program, visit:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026TACS0016-000285 - Learn about other ways the Province is supporting people and families:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/home/benefits
A backgrounder follows.
