First touch for Vancouver’s FIFA World Cup journey set – Vancouver to host seven matches in 2026
Original release issued by FIFA World Cup Vancouver™:
Today, FIFA revealed the match schedule for the FIFA World Cup 26™ and Vancouver will be hosting a total of seven matches come 2026, including five group stage matches and two knockout round matches – round of 32 and round of 16, a huge win for Vancouver.
“I am thrilled that Vancouver scored the opportunity to host seven matches of the FIFA World Cup 26™,” said Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim. “Vancouver is a diverse and multicultural city that loves soccer and we’re excited to show our support for our national team and all the participating teams yet to qualify. These epic matches are a huge win for our city’s world-class tourism sector and local businesses, and will inspire the next generation of players and fans. Vancouver is ready to kick-off a lasting legacy of sport and community. We can’t wait to welcome the world!”
Vancouver’s hosting journey will begin on June 13, 2026 with a group stage game, and conclude with a round of 16 knockout match on July 7. Canada will host a total of 13 matches with Toronto hosting Canada’s opener. See Vancouver’s match dates at vancouverfwc26.ca/matches.
The tournament’s opening match in Mexico City will signal the start of a record-breaking FIFA World Cup in North America, with an exciting new expanded format that will see for the first time 48 teams battle it out across 104 matches, three host countries and 16 host cities for their chance to be crowned world champions. Vancouver was named a Host City in June 2022.
With rich diversity, we know every match will be a home game in Vancouver, but we are especially excited to see Canada Soccer’s Men’s National team open live from Toronto. Soccer fans will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch their country play at home at the highest level. In 2026, Vancouver will join an elite list of cities who have hosted both the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the FIFA World Cup, with Vancouver the site of the Final of the record setting FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™.
In 2026, we invite Vancouverites, British Columbians and the world to join us in the excitement of hosting a beautiful game in our beautiful city. We are 26, we are Vancouver, we are A Force of Nature™! Vancouver is proud to host the FIFA World Cup 26™.
To learn more, please visit www.vancouverFWC26.ca and sign up to receive updates, and follow our Instagram, Twitter and Facebook accounts @FWC26Vancouver.
Fans can pre-register for FIFA World Cup 26™ticket information at fifa.com/tickets.
Additional Quotes
Chief Wayne Sparrow, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band)
“Musqueam is so excited to welcome the world to our territory for the FIFA World Cup 26™. Soccer is an important sport to Musqueam – just like it is important to so many communities around the world. Hosting the FIFA World Cup here in Vancouver will bring joy to generations of Musqueam soccer players, and undoubtedly inspire new ones to pick up the sport.”
Sxwíxwtn-Wilson Williams, Spokesperson and Councillor, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish Nation)
“Squamish Nation truly believes in the power of sport as a catalyst for growth, and soccer is the most popular – and powerful – sport in the world! It is a thrilling opportunity for the City of Vancouver to be one of the host cities for FIFA World Cup 26™, and for Squamish Nation to play a meaningful role in not only the planning and hosting of the events, but in the legacies these matches will bring.”
Chief Jen Thomas, səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation)
“We are thrilled that the City of Vancouver is one of the host cities for the FIFA World Cup 26™ on the shared, traditional, unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). Soccer plays a vital part in our Tsleil-Waututh Nation community and brings our members together. For our youth, what they learn through playing goes beyond the pitch: it strengthens their pride in their culture and who they are. The resilience of our people shines through both in life and in sport, a legacy we’ve been gifted from our Ancestors.”
Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport (Province of British Columbia)
“We are thrilled to welcome these FIFA matches to British Columbia. Hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2026 is a great opportunity to support local businesses, create jobs, and have long-lasting benefits for our tourism sector and overall economy. Get ready for the excitement as we put a global spotlight on BC as a prime destination like no other.”
Chris May, General Manager (BC Place Vancouver)
“We’re immensely proud to be hosting seven FIFA World Cup 26™ matches at BC Place Vancouver. Our genuine passion lies in bringing people together, fostering a sense of community and curating a space for unforgettable moments here in British Columbia. We cannot wait for the opportunity to unite fans and players from around the world in celebration of the beautiful game in our beautiful city, and to create lasting memories for all who join us at the stadium in 2026.”
FIFA World Cup Vancouver™ media inquiries:
City of Vancouver
FIFA World Cup 26™ media inquiries:
FIFA Media Team
About FIFA World Cup 26™
FIFA World Cup 26™ 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 26™ 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. For the latest FIFA World Cup 26™ information please visit the FIFA World Cup 26™ website. For media representatives wishing to stay up-to-date on all things 2026, please register via the FIFA Media Hub.
Consistent with stadiums in other Host Cities, BC Place will adopt a new venue name for the FIFA World Cup 26™, BC Place Vancouver.
