Liza J. Lee | WBN News Vancouver | November 15, 2025 Editor: Karalee Greer   Subscription to WBN and being a Contributor is Free.

From June 11 to July 19, 2026, Vancouver will be one of 16 global cities hosting the largest Soccer World Cup in history. With seven matches—including two featuring Team Canada—plus a vibrant Fan Festival at the PNE, this is more than a sports event. It’s a citywide stage for local businesses, creators, and communities to shine. Up to 350,000 fans are projected to attend matches at BC Place in Vancouver.

📌 At A Glance

  • Vancouver will host 7 Soccer World Cup 26 matches at BC Place, including a Round of 16 knockout games.
  • Canada’s national team plays in Vancouver on June 18 and June 24, 2026.
  • The Fan Festival at Hastings Park will feature live match broadcasts, music, food, and cultural programming.
  • Local businesses can access a provincial playbook to activate, decorate, and engage during the tournament.
  • Economic impact is expected to surge through tourism, hospitality, and global exposure.

🔍 What Is It?

The Soccer World Cup 26 is the biggest tournament in soccer history, uniting 48 nations for 104 matches across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. Vancouver and Toronto will host 13 of those games, with BC Place welcoming fans under its iconic retractable roof. This marks Vancouver’s first time hosting a men’s tournament, following its record-breaking success during the 2015 Women’s World Cup.

💡 Why It Benefits Users or Small Biz

Events and activations are encouraged during Soccer World Cup 26. For solopreneurs, restaurateurs, and creators, this is a golden window. With over 36 million visitors expected across host cities, Vancouver’s local economy is poised for a tourism boom. Businesses can tap into themed activations, pop-ups, and Fan Festival programming to drive foot traffic and brand visibility. The City of Vancouver’s permitting process and the Province’s WC26 Business Playbook offer clear steps to get involved early and stay compliant. 

Planning for the Fan Festival includes thoughtfully curated programming, visual design, and dining experiences and will be the place to celebrate and watch matches in 2026. With programming, concerts, activations and more, the Fan Festival will be the best place to feel the energy of the tournament without a match ticket. By creating inclusive opportunities for local businesses, performers, and producers, the Fan Festival in Vancouver will offer meaningful ways for the community to be part of Soccer World Cup 26. 

🛡️ Trust, Safety, and Regulation

The City of Vancouver is working closely to ensure brand protection, safety, and accessibility. All events and activations must follow standard permitting and review processes. The Fan Festival will be family-friendly, inclusive, and designed to reflect the spirit of the city while meeting international standards.

🌍 Broader Impact

This surge in tourism will create significant opportunities for local businesses, especially in hospitality, retail, food services, and entertainment. This isn’t just about soccer—it’s about legacy. The tournament will elevate Vancouver’s global profile, strengthen its reputation as a world-class host city, and create lasting infrastructure upgrades at BC Place. For B.C. entrepreneurs, it’s a chance to future-proof their business by aligning with global events and showcasing local excellence on the world stage.

🧩 Signature

Liza J. Lee – Contributor, WBN News | Follow Me on X

1000 True Fans Prompts Guide at TheArtParty.org/1000

Editor: Karalee Greer   Subscription to WBN and being a Contributor is Free.

TAGS: #WBN News Vancouver #WBN News Global #Liza J Lee #Soccer World Cup Vancouver 26 #Fan Festival Vancouver #BC Place 2026 #PNE 2026 #Vancouver Sports

Share this article
The link has been copied!