Partnership between PavCo, the Province of B.C. and the City of Vancouver provided more than 500 World Cup match tickets to more than 50 community organizations

September 1, 2026 (Vancouver, B.C.) – A new report released today demonstrates how hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Vancouver created community impact that extended far beyond the seven matches played at BC Place, helping children and youth throughout British Columbia share in the excitement and lasting legacy of the world’s largest sporting event.

The report highlights how, through the BC Place Community Benefit Program, PavCo partnered with the Province of B.C.  and the City of Vancouver to ensure children and youth facing barriers had the opportunity to experience the FIFA World Cup 2026 firsthand. The initiative ultimately provided 520 match tickets to children and youth connected to 56 charities, non-profit organizations and Indigenous community organizations selected through an application and draw process.

“Hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 has been an unprecedented opportunity for British Columbia, and it was important to us to ensure that children and youth facing barriers had the chance to be part of this historic moment,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Through the BC Place Community Benefit Program, hundreds of young people were able to experience the excitement, energy and inspiration of the World Cup firsthand, creating memories that will last a lifetime and reinforcing our commitment to making major events more accessible and inclusive for everyone.”

As the owner and operator of BC Place, PavCo leveraged its existing network of community partners to ensure the benefits of hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026in Vancouver extended into communities throughout British Columbia. The initiative reflects PavCo’s commitment to creating value for British Columbians by expanding access to world-class experiences and creating opportunities for people to come together around moments that matter.

“I am proud of the collaborative efforts between PavCo, the Province of B.C. and the City of Vancouver to provide hundreds of FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets through our BC Place Community Benefit Program,” said Rehana Din, President and CEO, at PavCo. “Together, we helped create access to the world’s premier sporting event, giving children and youth the opportunity to experience the unifying power of sport and be part of a truly historic moment.”

Recipient community organizations reported that the experience delivered far more than just access to a soccer match. Participants described opportunities to connect with family, friends and community, build a sense of belonging and take part in a once-in-a-generation event that many would not otherwise have had the opportunity to attend. Organizations also noted the power of sport to inspire young people and bring people together across backgrounds and communities.

“This summer, Vancouver set the stage for unforgettable moments both on and off the pitch,” said Jessie Adcock, Lead and Chief Delivery Officer, Vancouver Host Committee. “I’m proud that the City of Vancouver played a role in welcoming children and youth to enjoy the Beautiful Game firsthand at BC Place. We hope that the memories created through the Community Benefit Program will inspire the next generation of soccer fans and players.”

Community impact by the numbers:

  • 520 tickets donated across five FIFA World Cup 2026 Vancouver matches at BC Place.
  • 56 organizations supported, including registered charities, non-profit organizations, and Indigenous community organizations that support children and youth facing barriers through impactful programs and services
  • Hundreds of children and youth experienced a FIFA World Cup 2026 match they might otherwise not have had the opportunity to attend.

BC Place community benefit facts:

  • PavCo’s BC Place Community Benefit Program donates hundreds of tickets and suite experiences annually, including Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour donations that helped generate $2 million for BC charities in 2024; 260 tickets and 24 suite experiences donated to 85 organizations in 2025; and more than 500 FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets distributed to children and youth facing barriers, in partnership with the Province of British Columbia and City of Vancouver.
  • For approximately 200 days per year, BC Place supports community organizations by helping raise awareness for important causes through its Northern Lights Display illuminations.
  • BC Place has invested in a welcoming and inclusive guest experience through initiatives including the BC Place Sensory Room and Sensory Kits, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyards, lactation pods, an accessible $5 Menu, upgraded washrooms and gender-neutral facilities, new passenger elevators and staff training to support guests with a wide range of accessibility needs.

Recipient community organization sample testimonials:

Beyond Hoops Africa – “Experiences like these go far beyond sport. They inspire young people, build a sense of belonging, and create memories that last a lifetime. Thank you for believing in our youth and investing in opportunities that make a lasting impact.”

East Burnaby Family Place – “The experience was much more than soccer. It gave our families a chance to connect, have fun, and feel included in something bigger than themselves. For some, it was a rare opportunity to enjoy a major sporting event with friends and family without the financial barriers that often make these experiences inaccessible.”

Encompass Support Services Society – “As newcomers to Canada, we have spent the last few years focused on rebuilding our lives, establishing stability, and creating a future for our children. Experiences like this are usually far beyond what we can afford, which is why this gift meant so much more than simply attending a soccer match.”

Metro Kids Society – “The atmosphere in the stadium was absolutely electrifying, filled with excitement, cheers, and the energy of 52,550 passionate football fans from around the world. It was not just a football match for us – it was a beautiful memory that we will cherish for a lifetime.”

Stó:Iō Service Agency – “On behalf of the  Mémiyelhtel Program, we thank you for the tickets to FIFA World Cup 2026 Vancouver from the BC Place Community Benefit Program. The youth had an incredible time, and it truly was a core memory made for all who attended. Without this benefit, the youth would not have had the opportunity to otherwise experience this type of event. We are forever grateful for this opportunity!”

About PavCo
B.C. Pavilion Corporation (PavCo) is committed to the responsible stewardship of public funds while delivering economic and community benefits for the province of British Columbia. As the independent owner and operator of BC Place and the Vancouver Convention Centre on behalf of the provincial government, PavCo supports local jobs, businesses, and communities through its mandate to generate lasting economic and community value.

About the BC Place Community Benefit Program
The BC Place Community Benefit Program supports registered charities, non-profit organizations and Indigenous community organizations across British Columbia by providing access to events held at BC Place. Through ticket and suite donations, the program helps create meaningful experiences, strengthen community connections and expand access to opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. To learn more about the BC Place Community Benefit Program, visit: https://www.bcplace.com/bc-place-community-benefit-program/

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Media Contact
Stacey Ganaden
Sr. Communications & Community Engagement Manager
sganaden@bcpavco.com 

Backgrounder: List of recipient organizations of FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets through the BC Place Community Benefit Program:
ACSA Cultural & Sport Association
African Friendship Society
Altitude FC
Association of Port Coquitlam Soccer FC
BC & Alberta Guide Dogs
BC Soccer
Beyond Hoops Africa
Broadway Youth Resource Centre
Britannia Community Services Society
Burnaby FC
Canada Hands and Feet of All Abilities Foundation
Canucks Autism Network Society
Chabad of Richmond
Child Development Foundation of BC
Chinese Community Policing Centre
East Burnaby Family Place Society
Encompass Support Services Society
First Nations Health Foundation
Foundry Abbotsford Youth Health Centre
Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association
Fusion FC
Girl Guides of Canada – BC Council
Greater Vancouver Food Bank
Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver
Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I∙SPARC)
Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria
Jeunes Leaders des Relations Saines
Journey Home Community
Kamloops United Football Club
Ladner/Tsawwassen Girl Guides
Little Mountain Neighbourhood House
LOVE BC
Marpole Oakridge Family Place
Marpole Soccer Club Society
Marpole-Oakridge Community Centre
Metro Kids Society
NaloxHome Society
Network of Inner-City Community Services Society
Pacific Autism Network Society
Richmond Music School
Rise Up Indigenous Wellness
Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon
SCY Society for Children & Youth of BC
South Delta United Soccer Club
Special Olympics British Columbia
St. Vartan Armenian Apostolic Church of BC
Stó:IōService Agency
Storehouse Community Hub Society
Sunset Community Centre
Surrey Hospitals Foundation
The Kelty Foundation
Touchstone Family Association
Urban Native Youth Association
UPrep Basketball Vancouver
Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society
Vancouver Athletic FC