B.C. Place in Vancouver will play host to a number of FIFA World Cup games in 2026, joining Toronto as the only Canadian host cities for the event. (Dreamstime)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

THE BEAUTIFUL GAME

Vancouver named host city for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Jun 16, 2022 | 2:52 PM

VANCOUVER — The world is coming to B.C. once more.

FIFA confirmed on Thursday, June 16, Vancouver had been chosen as one of the locations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Vancouver joins Toronto in hosting games in Canada, marking the first time FIFA Men’s World Cup games will be played in the country.

“We’re not hosting the largest ever World Cup just for kicks,” premier John Horgan said in a statement. “British Columbians will enjoy an economic boost to the tourism and hospitality sectors that will be felt for years to come. We look forward to welcoming the global soccer community to our province.”

The United States are expected to host 60 matches throughout the month-long tournament, with Canada and Mexico anticipating to receive 10 games each.

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It’s not known how many games will be played in Vancouver.

Mexico’s host cities include Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara while games in the United States will be in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Fransisco and Seattle.

Hosting games in B.C. though will cost between $240-260 million, with all levels of government contributing to stadium rentals, renovations and other requirements.

Estimates from tourism industry professionals suggest upwards of $1 billion of new revenue could be brought into the province as a result of the prestigious tournament.

The 2026 World Cup will also be the largest ever tournament featuring 48 teams, up from the current 32.

Canada qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup to be held in Qatar, which starts in late November.

This year marks the first time Canada will play at the World Cup since 1986.

The team will gain automatic qualification for the 2026 event as a host nation.

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