Vancouver-The wait is over. FIFA World Cup 2026™ officially begins tomorrow, marking the start of the biggest single sporting event in history and Vancouver’s moment on the world stage as one of 16 Host Cities across Canada, Mexico and the United States. Over the next six weeks, Vancouver is ready to welcome the world with seven matches at BC Place Vancouver, the opening of the free, 28-day FIFA Fan Festival™ Vancouver at Hastings Park, and a city-wide welcome experience connecting fans, residents and visitors throughout the tournament.
“Sport has the power to bring people together and the FIFA World Cup 2026™ will do that on a global scale,” said Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport) and Canada’s FIFA Sherpa. “Vancouver is ready to welcome fans, teams and visitors as well as deliver a safe, exciting and unforgettable tournament experience. As Canada prepares to host the world, this is a moment for Canadians to celebrate soccer, community and the pride of being part of the world’s biggest sporting event.”“After years of planning, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ is finally here and we are ready to welcome the world to our province and feel the incredible energy in B.C.,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Hosting the FIFA World Cup™ is an opportunity to showcase the best of B.C., create jobs, bring lasting economic and community benefits, and inspire young athletes throughout the province. From community events throughout B.C., to the FIFA Fan Festival™ in Vancouver, we want to make sure that everyone has the chance to take part, get excited and celebrate the beautiful game.”
“This summer, Vancouver is ready to set the stage for an unforgettable celebration of the beautiful game,” said Ken Sim, Mayor of Vancouver. “From FIFA Fan Festival™ Vancouver at Hastings Park to the Match Day Spectator Route and BC Place Vancouver in the downtown core, and throughout our vibrant and diverse neighborhoods, we can’t wait to show the world what makes Vancouver a world-class city to visit, live, work and play. The kick-off of FIFA World Cup 2026 marks the start of an iconic journey for our city, one that will showcase Vancouver’s energy, hospitality, and global spirit every step of the way.”Match Days
Vancouver will host five group stage matches featuring Australia, Belgium, Canada, Egypt, New Zealand, Qatar and Switzerland, in addition to two knockout round games for a total of seven matches. Fans with match tickets can experience the energy of match days along the Match Day Spectator Route, featuring exciting activations and programming on the way to BC Place Vancouver, and a spectacular installation onsite for epic selfies, open for all. See the match schedule details at: www.vancouverfwc26.ca/match-
“This summer, Vancouver is ready to set the stage for an unforgettable celebration of the beautiful game,” said Ken Sim, Mayor of Vancouver. “From FIFA Fan Festival™ Vancouver at Hastings Park to the Match Day Spectator Route and BC Place Vancouver in the downtown core, and throughout our vibrant and diverse neighborhoods, we can’t wait to show the world what makes Vancouver a world-class city to visit, live, work and play. The kick-off of FIFA World Cup 2026 marks the start of an iconic journey for our city, one that will showcase Vancouver’s energy, hospitality, and global spirit every step of the way.”Match Days
Vancouver will host five group stage matches featuring Australia, Belgium, Canada, Egypt, New Zealand, Qatar and Switzerland, in addition to two knockout round games for a total of seven matches. Fans with match tickets can experience the energy of match days along the Match Day Spectator Route, featuring exciting activations and programming on the way to BC Place Vancouver, and a spectacular installation onsite for epic selfies, open for all. See the match schedule details at: www.vancouverfwc26.ca/match-
