Wednesday March 4, 2026 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
“In 100 days, British Columbia will take its place on the world stage as Vancouver hosts the FIFA World Cup 2026,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, in a statement issued on March 3.
“This is the largest single-sport event on the planet. Billions of people watching; hundreds of thousands of visitors to our province. Seven matches will be played at BC Place. More than 350,000 fans are expected to pass through the doors at BC Place. But this moment is about far more than what happens on the pitch. It is about what happens because of it,” said Kang.
BC will be showcasing the magnificence of this province’s natural environemnt includeing moutnains and coastlines. Kang also highlights “vibrant cities and welcoming communities” as well as innovation, clean economy, cultural diversity and creativity.
“When billions of viewers tune in and thousands visit, they will not only see world-class soccer…. they will see a province confident in who we are and ambitious about where we are going,” said Minister Kang.
She says the games are a catalyst for the next 30 years of further economic activity in BC.
Kang will be making an announcement today March 4 at the Victoria Inner Harbour, relating to the province’s Look West: Jobs and Prosperity for a Stronger BC and Canada strategy.
The locations of FIFA watch party locations throughout BC will soon be announced.
Match schedule:
The first FIFA match in Canada will be played in Toronto on June 12. The second FIFA match in Canada will be at BC Place in Vancouver on June 13 (Australia vs TBD).
In addition to FIFA World Cup Matches in Vancouver and Toronto this summer, the other games will be played in the USA and Mexico.
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NEWS SECTIONS: SPORTS | FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 | TOURISM