Saturday June 28, 2025 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
More World Cup 2026 games in Vancouver? Bring them on, said BC Premier David Eby yesterday during a media availability at a small soccer field in Vancouver.
For now, Vancouver will host seven games but more are welcome, said Eby.
“The eyes of the world will be on British Columbia,” said Eby. He included mention of diversifying trade relationships and demonstrating” the BC way of doing business”.
The Province estimates the updated net core provincial cost of hosting seven FIFA World Cup 26 matches to be within a planning range of $85 million to $145 million, which is similar to the range estimated last year. This does not consider potential additional provincial tax revenues as identified in the Province’s estimates of economic impact benefits.
Renovations and upgrades at the Killarney Park training site are underway and the city is advancing its planning for the FIFA Fan Festival and other activities. Renovations and upgrades to BC Place also continue. These improvements will make the stadium more accessible and help it remain modern and competitive so it can continue to attract and host the world’s best sports, music and events.
Welcoming the world to Vancouver:
“Let’s welcome the world,” said Eby, suggesting to Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim that it will be quite a party!
With less than one year to go before Vancouver welcomes the FIFA World Cup 26 updated cost and revenue estimates were release by the Province, the City of Vancouver and the BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo).
Eby was joined at the press conference by Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport Spencer Chandra Herbert, and Christine Boyle, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, as well as representatives of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.
Hosting big sports events is about immediate economic boost for the host city and presumed longer-term tourism economic benefits.
The unique experience of being in BC, with a stadium near the water and mountain views as well as cultural experiences will attract return visitors, said Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport Spencer Chandra Herbert.
There will be hundreds of thousands of visitors to Vancouver next year during the games. The economic benefit will be shared with the three First Nations, as part of reconciliation.
“The Province took risks here and there will be questions,” said Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim in thanking the province for their funding support to the City of Vancouver.
One year to go:
“The City of Vancouver’s direct costs, including security, transportation, the FIFA Fan Festival and upcoming milestones remain on track, with no major changes from 2024’s budget projections,” said Ken Sim, mayor of Vancouver.
“With less than a year to go until the world’s biggest sporting event arrives in Vancouver, we’re working hard to deliver a safe, memorable experience for residents, fans and visitors. We remain committed to managing costs responsibly while maximizing the long-term benefits for our community.”
First Nations support:
“Hosting FIFA World Cup 26 is an extraordinary opportunity to showcase our province to the world, and we are determined to do it in a way that reflects who we are and what we value,” said Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.
“Working with Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil Waututh peoples helps us deliver an even better FIFA World Cup reflective of where we are, and who we are.”
Over a million future visitors:
The economic benefits of hosting seven matches are estimated by the Province to include more than one million additional out-of-province visitors between 2026 and 2031, generating more than $1 billion in additional visitor spending.
Over this same period, more than 18,000 jobs could be generated. Tourism is one of B.C.’s biggest industries and the FIFA World Cup 26 is a premier opportunity to promote B.C. on the world stage. Studies show that first-time visitors to B.C. are likely to return four times during their lifetime.
There will be economic benefits for local tourism businesses and the skilled professionals who power the sports industry.
FIFA’s own economic impact assessment covers the period June 2023 to August 2026 and estimates that preparing for and hosting the tournament could contribute $1.7 billion in economic benefits for B.C. That includes a $980-million increase to GDP and $610 million in labour income.
Series of matches:
“FIFA World Cup 26 is more than a series of matches. It’s a catalyst for economic activity, international visibility, and community pride. Hosting seven games will energize our downtown core, including hotels, restaurants, venues, and surrounding neighbourhoods, and will build on Vancouver’s growing $9.6 billion annual visitor economy, which currently supports more than 63,000 jobs,” said Royce Chwin, president and CEO, Destination Vancouver.
“It’s a strong vote of confidence in our city’s ability to deliver world-class experiences with real, lasting benefits for local businesses and communities.”
Provincial priorities:
The Province is committed to maximizing the social and economic impacts of these matches and will work to ensure people throughout the province share the benefits.
The FIFA World Cup highlights and accelerates provincial priorities, including building a sustainable, clean economy, strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities and advancing reconciliation. Through collaboration among the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, the Province and the City of Vancouver, there is a shared commitment to work together to deliver these matches.
Federal comment:
“Hosting the FIFA World Cup 26 in Vancouver is huge for British Columbia and Canada,” says Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport), Government of Canada.
“Sport brings us together like nothing else, and this world-class event will showcase British Columbia’s hospitality, culture and gorgeous landscapes. The FIFA World Cup 26 is about more than football: local businesses, workers, and communities across the province will all benefit from this exciting hosting opportunity. Canada is thrilled to welcome the world in 2026!”
===== RELATED:
- Carney and Sheinbaum discuss Canada-Mexico economic integration (June 17, 2025)
- BC rolls out cost profile for seven FIFA World Cup 2026 games in Vancouver (May 2, 2024)
- World Cup 2026 confirmed for Vancouver & Toronto as host cities (June 16, 2022)
- NEWS SECTIONS: SPORTS | 43rd BC PARLIAMENT | VANCOUVER MAINLAND | FIFA WORLD CUP 2026