Vancouver 2026: Seven Matches, Starting with Australia
Vancouver hosts 7 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches at BC Place. Complete guide to teams, schedules, groups & history for Canada, Belgium, Egypt & more.
Vancouver 2026
By Elke Porter | WBN News World Sports | January 18, 2026
Subscription to WBN and being a Writer is FREE!
Vancouver is set to host seven electrifying matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, welcoming some of the world's finest national teams to BC Place Stadium. As one of 16 host cities across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, Vancouver will showcase international soccer at its highest level from June through July 2026.
Vancouver's Match Schedule (Chronological Order)
Match 1: June 13, 2026 - 9:00 PM
Australia vs. TBD European Opponent
Australia (FIFA Ranking: 26th)
- Group: Group D
- World Cup History: 6 appearances (1974, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022)
- World Cup Titles: 0
- Best Finish: Round of 16 (2006, 2022)
Australia opens Vancouver's World Cup action on June 13 against a yet-to-be-determined European opponent. The Socceroos have become regular World Cup participants since switching from Oceania to the Asian Football Confederation. They've reached the knockout rounds twice and are known for their fighting spirit and physical style of play. Australia will be seeking to advance from the group stage once again.
Match 2: June 18, 2026 - 3:00 PM
Canada vs. Qatar (Group B)
Canada (FIFA Ranking: 27th)
- Group: Group B
- Vancouver Matches:
- vs. Qatar - June 18, 2026, 3:00 PM
- vs. Switzerland - June 24, 2026, 12:00 PM
- World Cup History: 3rd appearance (1986, 2022, 2026)
- World Cup Titles: 0
- Best Finish: Group stage
Playing on home soil, Canada will be looking to finally earn their first-ever World Cup points after going winless in both 1986 and 2022. Led by Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies and Canada's all-time leading scorer Jonathan David, coach Jesse Marsch's squad faces Qatar and Switzerland at BC Place in front of passionate hometown crowds. With home advantage and a talented roster competing in Europe's top leagues, expectations are higher than ever for the Canadian men.
Qatar (FIFA Ranking: 51st)
- Group: Group B
- World Cup History: 2 appearances (2022, 2026)
- World Cup Titles: 0
- Best Finish: Group stage
Qatar makes their second consecutive World Cup appearance, but this time they've earned it through qualification rather than automatic entry as hosts. Having gained valuable experience hosting the 2022 tournament, they arrive with advanced game management skills. This represents their first World Cup secured through the qualifying pathway, a significant achievement for Qatari football.
Match 3: June 21, 2026
Egypt vs. New Zealand (Group G)
Egypt (FIFA Ranking: Top 40)
- Group: Group G
- World Cup History: 4 appearances (1934, 1990, 2018, 2026)
- World Cup Titles: 0
- Best Finish: Group stage
Egypt's World Cup appearances have been sporadic, but the team arrives focused around Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah, one of the game's most electrifying forwards. Known as "The Pharaohs," Egypt has a storied football history in African competitions but has struggled to translate that success to the World Cup stage. Greater Vancouver's Egyptian community of approximately 5,000 is expected to create a significant atmosphere for their matches.
New Zealand (FIFA Ranking: Lower tier)
- Group: Group G
- Vancouver Matches:
- vs. Egypt - June 21, 2026
- vs. Belgium - June 26, 2026
- World Cup History: 3 appearances (1982, 2010, 2026)
- World Cup Titles: 0
- Best Finish: Group stage (2010 - undefeated)
The "All Whites" return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010, when they remarkably remained undefeated in the group stage with three draws. Benefiting from Oceania's guaranteed World Cup spot in the expanded 48-team format, New Zealand has shown they can compete against stronger opposition. They famously held eventual champions Italy to a 1-1 draw in 2010 and shouldn't be underestimated as potential spoilers.
Match 4: June 24, 2026 - 12:00 PM
Canada vs. Switzerland (Group B)
Switzerland (FIFA Ranking: 17th)
- Group: Group B
- Vancouver Match: vs. Canada - June 24, 2026, 12:00 PM
- World Cup History: 12 appearances
- World Cup Titles: 0
- Best Finish: Quarter-finals (1934, 1938, 1954)
The Swiss are masters of World Cup qualification, having not missed a tournament since 2002. Known for their tactical discipline and organizational strength, Switzerland consistently proves to be an awkward opponent. Led by experienced midfielder Granit Xhaka, they reached the round of 16 in each of their last three World Cup appearances. While they may lack superstars, their collective strength makes them dangerous against any opponent.
Match 5: June 26, 2026
Belgium vs. New Zealand (Group G)
Belgium (FIFA Ranking: Top 20)
- Group: Group G
- World Cup History: 14 appearances
- World Cup Titles: 0
- Best Finish: 3rd place (2018)
Belgium's "Golden Generation" continues their quest for a first World Cup title. Led by Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne, one of the world's premier playmakers, Belgium has consistently been among the tournament favorites in recent years. Despite reaching the semi-finals in 2018 and finishing third, the ultimate prize has eluded them. Vancouver fans will witness whether this talented squad can finally deliver on their potential.
Matches 6 & 7: Knockout Rounds
One Round of 32 match (teams TBD) One Round of 16 match (teams TBD)
Beyond the group stage, Vancouver will host two knockout round matches that will bring additional world-class teams to BC Place, with opponents determined by group stage results.
The Venue
BC Place Stadium, Vancouver's premier sporting venue, has a rich history of hosting major events, including the 2010 Winter Olympics. With mountain and ocean views as a spectacular backdrop, the stadium will welcome thousands of international visitors during the month-long celebration of the world's most popular sport.
Tournament Format
The 2026 World Cup marks a historic expansion to 48 teams, up from the traditional 32. Teams are divided into 12 groups of four, with group winners, runners-up, and the eight best third-place teams advancing to a knockout round of 32. This is the first World Cup to feature this expanded format.
The tournament kicks off June 11, 2026, in Mexico City and concludes with the final on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Vancouver's matches span from June 13 through early July, offering fans multiple opportunities to witness world-class football.
With home nation Canada playing twice at BC Place, international stars like Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne gracing the pitch, and knockout round drama yet to unfold, Vancouver is positioned to deliver an unforgettable World Cup experience for soccer fans from across the globe.
Elke Porter at:
Westcoast German Media
LinkedIn: Elke Porter or
WhatsApp: +1 604 828 8788.
Public Relations. Communications. Education
Let’s bring your story to life — contact me for books, articles, blogs, and bold public relations ideas that make an impact.
TAGS:
- #Vancouver2026
- #FIFAWorldCup
- #BCPlaceWorldCup
- #CanadaWorldCup
- #VancouverSoccer
- #WorldCupVancouver
- #WBN News World Sports Edition
- #WBN News Vancouver
- #Elke Porter
- WBN News Global
Members Discussion