Everything We Know About FIFA World Cup 2026’s Vancouver Games So Far

The countdown is on to FIFA World Cup in Vancouver—just nine months to go, or, in soccer terms, 8,768 45-minute halves.

I should know: just last weekend I scored a goal in my own team’s net during a rec-league co-ed half-field game, which makes me the office’s most accomplished footballer and a natural pick to be Vanmag‘s World Cup reporter. The city will be hosting seven of the games for the 2026 global tournament, and whether you’re a soccer expert like me or not, it’s something to get excited about.

“The World Cup is everybody’s thing,” said Victor Montagliani, VP of the FIFA Council, at a Destination Vancouver “pep rally” yesterday at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Hopes are high not just for Team Canada, but for the impact of the many fans and delegates expected to flood Vancouver over the course of the Cup. “Having this experience in Vancouver will redefine the city’s sporting identity.”

Here’s what to expect from the potentially history-making sporting event.

1. Vancouver is hosting seven games

Though Vancouver is just one of 16 host cities for the 2026 World Cup, BC Place will be the site of five group games and two knock-out games. Obviously as a soccer genius like me, you know that group games are when teams play three games to come out on top of a cohort of four, and that a knockout game comes next, in which the remaining 16 teams compete in single elimination matches. Duh.

2. We don’t know yet which teams will be playing here

Though 18 out of the 48 finalist teams have qualified already, we are still waiting for the remainder to make the cut before the matchups for the 104 games are set. The draw for matchups and groupings is on December 5. At that point, the official ball (we’re thinking: round?) and official song will be revealed, too.

3. There will be multiple mascots

Just as the Vancouver Olympics couldn’t be properly represented by one mascot alone, FIFA World Cup’s Vancouver events will be represented by multiple official mascots. Those mascots will be introduced to the world in coming months—and when the event’s over, may I recommend that the City of Vancouver adopt one or two to be our city’s full-time rep?

4. The actual matches aren’t the only FIFA event happening here

In April, Vancouver is hosting the FIFA Congress, which means another chance for businesses to dazzle visitors. “It’s a coup to have gotten this as well as the matches,” says Montagliani. More than a thousand delegates from 211 countries and legendary former players will be strolling Vancouver streets at this time—when they’re not gathering to make major decisions about the rules of the competition, the location of the next World Cup and finances.

5. Fans are expected to travel here, even without a ticket

In past years, host cities have seen huge tourism from people all over the world, the majority of whom don’t even have a ticket. If you’re running a business, the Host Committee urges you to expect higher-than-average foot traffic and prepare to take advantage of the anticipated influx: it’s estimated that there will be more than one million additional visitors to B.C. during the World Cup.

6. The most visitors will likely be from Brazil, Indonesia, the UK, South Korea and Germany

These five places have more World Cup fans than any other country in the world, so expect plenty of willing-to-travel football lovers from there.

7. Economic impact will be between $1 and $2 billion

OK, yes, it’s pretty vague to be “It’ll be either one amount or twice that amount,” but even if it’s the lower end of the spectrum, Vancouver is about to get a very nice cash infusion from the tourism boost.

8. Becoming a volunteer will be competitive

If you thought you could skip the ticket chaos (4.5 million people have already registered for the Visa presale draw) and catch some matches for free by volunteering, you’ll have your work cut out for you. One-point-five million people registered to be volunteers already, and have listed Vancouver as their second-most preferred spot to work. May as well give it a shot though, right?

9. Match dates for Vancouver have been set

Mark those calendars for June 13, June 18, June 21, June 24, June 26, July 2 and July 7.

READ MORE: At Home With Former Canucks Forward J.T. Miller and Interior Designer Natalie Miller in Vancouver

10. The stadium will be open longer before and after the games

Unlike a regular Whitecaps game, BC Place will open three hours before kickoff and stay open two hours after kickoff—a full-day experience, even though the games are just 90 minutes. (Soccer fans are the true endurance athletes here.)

11. A newly upgraded Killarney Park will be the teams’ training grounds

The grass and a team building have recently been installed, as has “broadcast-quality” lighting. When FIFA mania is over, it’ll be a pitch the community can enjoy for years to come—personally, I can’t wait to do a sloppy throw-in from these sparkling sidelines.

12. The FIFA Fan Festival will feature free concerts most nights

The pressure is on for the new Hastings Amphitheatre to be completed, because it’s slated to host the FIFA Fan Festival daily during the course of FIFA. It’ll be the spot to watch screenings of games, should you not be lucky enough to get a ticket, but also to catch free nightly concerts and enjoy other yet-to-be-announced fan experiences. And if you’re worried about getting stranded by the PNE post-show, don’t stress: the Host Committee has commitments from Translink to provide extra (free!) services to shuttle folks back westward each night.

13. Businesses can get in on the fun, even if they’re not official FIFA sponsors

Only sponsors of the event are allowed to use the FIFA logo and name, but that shouldn’t stop local businesses from capitalizing on soccer fever. Screen matches, host soccer trivia, get your staff to dress in their fave team’s soccer jersey, decorate with international flags or soccer paraphernalia—embrace the holiday spirit!

14. Local makers can apply to produce unique merch

Not to play favourites, but this might be the piece of info I’m most excited about. If you’re a small local producer—say, a t-shirt designer—FIFA is welcoming applications to make official local limited-edition pieces of merch. Vancouver graphic designers, assemmmmmble! More details about applying for a license here.

15. October 27 is the early ticket draw

Sign up for notifications so you don’t miss your chance to maybe possibly perhaps purchase tickets! Do it! And if you manage to get two tickets and need a local soccer expert to be your plus one…. well, you know who to call.

READ MORE: Where Are the Vancouver Olympics Mascots Now?