News and media

With fewer than 40 days to go until FIFA World Cup 2026™ kicks off, Vancouver’s Host Committee and delivery partners are sharing key information to help visitors, residents and businesses prepare for the world’s biggest sporting event.

On June 13, BC Place Vancouver will host its first of seven matches, with Australia facing Türkiye. Across all seven match days, an estimated 350,000 spectators are anticipated to pass through downtown Vancouver to visit the stadium and experience the excitement on the pitch. Beyond the stadium, FIFA Fan Festival™ Vancouver opens June 11 at Hastings Park, welcoming up to 25,000 visitors at any given time over 28 days of programming, live matches, music and cultural experiences.

To help everyone plan ahead, Vancouver’s Host Committee launched its FIFA World Cup 2026™ Know Before You Go campaign. Essential information for match-goers, festival attendees and residents will be shared and available online, supporting a safe, enjoyable tournament experience, while introducing visitors from around the world to Vancouver as an inclusive, welcoming and world-class host city.

Getting around Vancouver

During the busy tournament period, we encourage people to take advantage of the extra public transit services that will be available throughout the duration of the tournament, or walk, bike, e-scooter or use ride-hailing and taxi services.

For visitors and residents moving around the downtown core on match days, plan ahead, know your route and give yourself extra time. Downtown is open and on match days there will be temporary measures in place in the stadium area, including road closures and local traffic-only restrictions for vehicles.

Our goal is to ensure that visitors to BC Place Vancouver can travel through the stadium area smoothly and safely, while minimizing the impact on residents and businesses’ day-to-day activities.

For information on how to get around Vancouver, visit www.vancouverfwc26.ca/kbyg. For the latest match day road closures, visit www.vancouverfwc26.ca/road-closures

Venues and experiences

From the electric atmosphere inside BC Place Vancouver to the vibrant celebrations at FIFA Fan Festival™ Vancouver, unforgettable experiences will be found across the city. Arrive early, plan ahead and review venue guidelines in advance, including permitted and non-permitted items, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

• Match Day Spectator Routes: On the seven Vancouver match days, spectators are encouraged to start their experience at Main Street–Science World Station and enjoy the vibrant route to the stadium with activations and activities along the way. Volunteers, dressing and wayfinding will support guiding fans from other areas of the city to the Spectator Route, creating an unforgettable welcome to the FIFA World Cup 2026 experience. Clearly marked game trails will help visitors navigate efficiently to the stadium gates. Smooth access to the match for ticketholders is the top priority, followed by easy to navigate routes back into the city, so fans can continue enjoying everything Vancouver has to offer after the final whistle.
• BC Place Vancouver: BC Place Vancouver is one of the most accessible and distinctive FIFA World Cup 2026 stadiums. Located in the heart of downtown and overlooking False Creek, the iconic venue offers fans an exceptional urban match day experience. Inside the ticketed perimeter, spectators can expect interactive fan experiences, opportunities to purchase official FIFA World Cup 2026 merchandise, and memorable photo moments, all within a stadium that reflects Vancouver’s unique character. Ticketholders will get further information and updates through the FIFA Mobile Tickets App.
• FIFA Fan Festival™ Vancouver: Outside of BC Place Vancouver, the free FIFA Fan Festival™ Vancouver will be the official hub for the FIFA World Cup 2026 experience and Vancouver’s largest watch party. Over 28 days, fans will enjoy live broadcasts of matches, performances by global and Canadian artists including Indigenous artists, and one of the city’s biggest live music programs in years. The Amphitheatre at the PNE will anchor the festival with live match viewing and concerts, featuring both ticketed shows and free first come, first served access for most broadcasts, while the free Park Stage will host 60+ live performances and match screenings across the grounds. Tickets are available here: www.vancouverfwc26.ca/fifa-fan-festival/entertainment
• Media accreditation update: Members of the media, news outlets and content creators can now apply for media accreditation at the FIFA Fan Festival™ Vancouver. Learn more at www.vancouverfwc26.ca/fifa-fan-festival/accreditation-fff.

Need to know information

Visitors to Vancouver are encouraged to visit the Host Committee website for official updates, key emergency and non-emergency contacts, health information, and other helpful resources to support a safe and enjoyable experience. Learn more at www.vancouverfwc26.ca/need-to-know

About FIFA World Cup 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the biggest sporting event ever, with three Host Countries, 16 Host Cities, 48 teams and 104 matches uniting an entire continent to showcase a momentous new tournament format. With more countries, cities, teams and games, FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the most inclusive tournament ever, engaging millions of fans across 16 unique stadiums and billions worldwide. The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. To learn more or sign up for our newsletter, please visit our website at www.vancouverFWC26.ca and follow our Instagram, X and Facebook accounts @FWC26Vancouver.

Quotes

The Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State for Sport of Canada

“This summer, Vancouver will welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup 2026, bringing Canadians and visitors together for a truly once-in-a-lifetime moment. From match days at BC Place Stadium to the FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver, this tournament will bring communities together, showcasing the very best of our country and creating lasting memories for everyone. Sport helps keep our country strong. Our government is proud to work with partners to deliver a safe, inclusive and unforgettable experience as we welcome the world to Canada.”

Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

“We are thrilled to welcome the world to B.C. and showcase our province as a world-class destination. The excitement is building throughout B.C. for this once-in-a-generation opportunity and we are ready to show the world our energy. This Know Before You Go information is a chance for residents and visitors to come together to celebrate and enjoy the beautiful game and explore everything we have to offer in a safe and informed way.”

Ken Sim, Mayor of Vancouver

“FIFA World Cup 2026 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of Vancouver. Whether you’re cheering at a match at BC Place Vancouver, enjoying local food and drink while listening to live music at the free Park Stage at FIFA Fan Festival™ Vancouver, or simply taking in the sights and sounds of the World Cup as you make your way around the city, we’re ready to welcome the world this summer!”

Jessie Adcock, FIFA World Cup 2026™ Vancouver Host Committee Lead

“We’re ready to welcome the world to Vancouver and BC. From match days at BC Place Vancouver to the FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver and everyday travel around the city, we want people to feel informed, confident and excited as they plan their activities. By sharing clear, practical information early, we want to help visitors and residents enjoy a safe, smooth and unforgettable FIFA World Cup 2026 experience.”

Deputy Chief Don Chapman, VPD

“The Vancouver Police Department is committed to helping make the World Cup a safe, secure, and welcoming experience for everyone. Public safety is our top priority. Additional police officers will be deployed, including some from other partner agencies such as the RCMP, Metro Vancouver Transit Police, Delta Police Department, Calgary Police Service and Edmonton Police Service, all working together to keep the city safe throughout the event. Training is well underway in and around the city so don’t be surprised if you see more uniformed officers out and about. Please don’t hesitate to say hello.  If you have safety concerns, our officers are there to help.”

Chris May, General Manager at BC Place Vancouver

“The moment we’ve all been waiting for is almost here, and we can’t wait to welcome fans from around the world to our beautiful stadium and province. At BC Place Vancouver, we’ve been preparing to deliver an unforgettable matchday experience, and we encourage fans to arrive prepared too. Plan ahead, review event information before travelling, and come early to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience!”

Kevin Quinn, CEO, TransLink

“Metro Vancouver knows how to host major global events, and transit has always been central to that success. For FIFA World Cup 2026 Vancouver, our teams are focused on delivering service, moving large crowds safely, and helping people travel with confidence. We’re adding service across the system so fans, visitors and residents can spend more of their time enjoying the excitement.”

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Media contact
City of Vancouver
Vancouver Host Committee
media@vancouver.ca