By Elke Porter | WBN News Vancouver | May 22, 2025
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Vancouver will take center stage in global football as it hosts the 76th FIFA Congress on April 30, 2026, marking only the second time the event will be held in Canada. The announcement came Thursday during the current FIFA Congress in Asuncion, Paraguay, igniting excitement just weeks ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

The FIFA Congress will bring representatives of all 211 member nations of the world governing body to Canada ahead of the tournament. Delegates from each country, representatives from FIFA’s six confederations, media, and stakeholders will descend on Vancouver for the prestigious event. Held since 1904, this marks just the second time the Congress will be held in Canada, the first being in Montréal in 1976.

The Congress, often described as an “annual meeting on steroids,” is far more than a shareholders’ gathering. It will include appearances by football legends like Ronaldinho and Andrea Pirlo through the FIFA Legends program, and Vancouver may even host a celebratory match featuring global stars.

“Vancouver is a great choice, a great city,” said Victor Montagliani, CONCACAF president and Vancouver native. “Vancouver—and Canada on a larger scale—will welcome the world.”

In addition to World Cup planning, the Congress will feature critical decisions, such as selecting the host nations for the 2031 and 2035 Women’s World Cups. The United States-Mexico bid for 2031 and the UK "Home Nations" bid for 2035 will be under review.

Canada Soccer, led by Peter Montopoli at FIFA Canada, is coordinating final preparations. Much of the heavy lifting—including stadium work, transportation planning, and visa logistics—will culminate in the 90 days before kickoff.

The World Cup begins June 11, 2026, in Mexico City, with Canada’s first match on June 12 in Toronto, followed by group-stage matches at BC Place in Vancouver.

Vancouver is ready to shine—bringing together nations, culture, and the unifying power of the beautiful game.

#FIFA Congress 2026 #Vancouver 2026 #Canada Soccer #World Cup Countdown #Football Unites #FIFA in Vancouver #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

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