By Elke Porter | WBN News Vancouver | July 6, 2025
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Major cities around the world are pulling out all the stops to prepare for FIFA and UEFA tournaments, transforming themselves in creative, practical, and often inspiring ways. Here’s a roundup of some of the coolest and most exciting initiatives cities are taking on as they gear up for these global football (soccer) spectacles: Note: there are most likely many more of these initiatives to come over the next 300+ days.

Creative City Transformations

  1. Basel, Switzerland: Traffic Lights for Women’s Euro 2025

·       What’s Happening: Basel swapped out standard pedestrian signals for ones featuring women soccer players to celebrate the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025.

·       Why It’s Cool: It’s a fun, visible way to promote women’s sports and create a festive atmosphere citywide.

  1. Vancouver, Canada: “Soccer Day” & Countdown Clock

·       What’s Happening: Mayor Ken Sim declared June 13 “Soccer Day” and unveiled a giant countdown clock for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

·       Why It’s Cool: These symbolic gestures build excitement and unite the community months (or years!) ahead of kick-off.

  1. Infrastructure & Accessibility Upgrades

Kansas City, USA: Massive Transit Overhaul

·       What’s Happening: Kansas City is investing heavily in public transit, leasing hundreds of buses and piloting shuttle routes to handle the expected crowds for the 2026 World Cup.

·       Why It’s Important: Improved public transit will help both visitors and locals, potentially leaving a lasting legacy for the city.

  1. Toronto, Canada: Stadium Expansion & Upgrades

·       What’s Happening: BMO Field (aka “Toronto Stadium” during the World Cup) is expanding from 30,000 to 45,000 seats, with upgraded lighting, media facilities, locker rooms, and accessibility.

·       Why It’s Important: These improvements ensure a world-class experience for fans and players—and boost the city’s capacity for future events.

  1. Fan Engagement & Legacy Events

Monterrey, Mexico: Legends Game

·       What’s Happening: The Monterrey Organizing Committee is hosting a “LEGENDS GAME” featuring international and Mexican football legends.

·       Why It’s Cool: It’s a unique way to celebrate football heritage and engage fans ahead of the main tournament.

  1. Miami, USA: Host City Workshops

·       What’s Happening: Miami and other host cities are holding workshops on ticketing, hospitality, transportation, safety, and fan festivals to ensure a seamless experience.

·       Why It’s Important: These collaborative sessions help cities learn from each other and set high standards for fan experience and safety.

  1. Economic Development & Community Impact

·       Public and Private Investment: Cities are leveraging millions in funding to upgrade infrastructure, create jobs, and stimulate local economies.

·       Long-Term Benefits: While the immediate goal is to host a successful event, many cities aim to leave a legacy—better transit, improved facilities, and a stronger global profile.

  1. Seattle Has Big Plans for Soccer Fans

·       Fan Zones: The Seattle FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee has announced the creation of fan zones in nine cities across Washington state, including Bellingham, Bremerton, Everett, Olympia/Lacey, Spokane, Tacoma, Tri-Cities, Vancouver, and Yakima.

·       Why Its Important: These fan zones will not only expand access to World Cup festivities beyond the stadium but also unite people across the state in a shared celebration of the world’s most popular sport. By involving cities like Spokane, Bellingham, and Yakima, Seattle is turning FIFA 2026 into a truly regional experience—amplifying economic impact, boosting tourism, and strengthening global connections at the local level.

  1. Westcoast German News

·      Kickoff Vancouver: 2026 Soccer & Tourism Guide is a new page by Westcoast German News, offering daily FIFA fun facts and soccer updates through WISE (Westcoast International Soccer Enthusiasts), while highlighting tourism tips and local events leading up to the 2026 World Cup.

·       Why this is Important: This initiative builds excitement, connects fans across cultures, and highlights Vancouver as a vibrant host city on the global stage. It also helps those who aren’t yet soccer or football fans feel more engaged with the tournament. Whether people plan to attend matches or not, all host city residents will feel the impact—socially, culturally, and economically—making it relevant to everyone.

All these efforts combine to create not just a tournament, but a citywide (and sometimes nationwide) celebration that leaves a lasting mark long after the final whistle!

From Mexico City's legendary football culture to Miami's vibrant sports scene, the world is getting ready to celebrate the beautiful game at FIFA 2026. And don't miss our FUN FIFA FACTS that we're releasing on social media—perfect for impressing your friends as we count down to the tournament!

So lace up your boots (or just get your typing fingers ready), to learn more about these 16 amazing host cities, and get swept up in the anticipation. Here's to an incredible World Cup ahead! And remember, when your mom told you not to play with matches, she wasn't talking about FIFA games.

TAGS: #World Cup 2026 #Vancouver Kickoff #FIFA Vancouver #Soccer Tourism #We Are Vancouver #Beautiful Game #Westcoast German News #WBN News Vancouver #Elke Porter

Connect with Elke at Westcoast German Media or on LinkedIn: Elke Porter or contact her on WhatsApp:  +1 604 828 8788. Public Relations. Communications. Education.

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