BCBusiness
A look at the projected economic impact ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Less than one year from today, Vancouver will welcome soccer fans from around the world for the FIFA World Cup 26™ tournament, hosting seven matches at BC Place between June 13 and July 7, 2026. Up to 350,000 fans are expected to attend the seven Vancouver matches at BC Place, according to the Province. The tournament—spread over 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States—will be the world’s largest single sporting event, with 104 matches in total, including 13 played in Canada.
“Growing up playing soccer on the fields of East Vancouver, I could have only dreamed of a moment like this,” said Victor Montagliani, FIFA vice president and president of Concacaf. “This is a once in a lifetime moment for Vancouver, our youth and everyone who has ever laced up a pair of cleats on a local pitch.”
A FIFA economic impact assessment estimated that preparing for and hosting the event will generate $1.7 billion in economic output for B.C. and create more than 13,700 jobs between June 2023 and August 2026. Nationally, it’s expected to generate $3.8 billion in economic output and 24,100 jobs.
Beyond the matches themselves, more than one million out-of-province visitors are projected to travel to B.C. between 2026 and 2031, with Destination BC estimating $1 billion in additional visitor spending over those five years. The average visitor to the province returns four times in their lifetime, according to Destination BC and BC Stats.
With a year to go, anticipation is already building as preparations ramp up across the city. Earlier this month, Vancouver celebrated its One Year To Go milestone at the unveiling of its official Host City Countdown Clock at Terry Fox Plaza. Locals and visitors are encouraged to snap a photo and tag #WeAreVancouver from now until the tournament kicks off next year. Other festivities included youth mini-pitch matches with coaches Christine Sinclair and Tosaint Ricketts and red-and-white lights illuminating landmarks across the city.
“The FIFA World Cup 26™ isn’t just a tournament but a historic moment to showcase our city on the world stage,” said Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim. “We’re ready to welcome the world with open arms and create unforgettable memories for fans, families and future soccer stars alike. From the pitch to our public spaces, this is going to be a celebration of culture, community and the beautiful game.”
Sources: City of Vancouver, Province of B.C., Destination BC, BC Stats, BNN Bloomberg, CBC, FIFA World Cup 2026™ Vancouver, Inside FIFA