Vancouver: Where Football's Future Begins in 2026

By Elke Porter | WBN News Vancouver | February 23, 2026
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Vancouver, British Columbia, will make history on April 30, 2026, as it plays host to the 76th FIFA Congress — a landmark gathering that will bring together representatives from all 211 FIFA member associations ahead of the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026.

The event marks only the second time Canada has welcomed the FIFA Congress to its shores, with the first occurrence dating back to Montréal in 1976 — exactly five decades prior. The timing could hardly be more fitting, as Canada prepares to co-host the world's most-watched sporting tournament alongside the United States and Mexico.

Peter Augruso, President of Canada Soccer, expressed his enthusiasm for the occasion with a warm and characteristically Canadian welcome. "It is with great pleasure that we welcome FIFA to the vibrant city of Vancouver for the FIFA 76th Congress," said Augruso. "Vancouver, known for its stunning landscapes and diverse culture, provides the perfect backdrop to celebrate the spirit of unity, collaboration and the beautiful game that brings us all together. Canada Soccer looks forward to hosting the 76th FIFA Congress and World Cup in 2026! Welcome to Canada, where everyone is welcome!"

Delegates from each of FIFA's 211 member nations, representatives from FIFA's six confederations, media, and key stakeholders from across the global football community will make the journey to Vancouver for the occasion. The city, perched between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountain range, is widely regarded as one of the world's most picturesque and multicultural urban centres — a fitting symbol for a sport that transcends borders, languages, and cultures.

The FIFA Congress, held annually since 1904, serves as the supreme decision-making body of world football. It is the forum where the global football community convenes to address governance, policy, and the future direction of the sport. With the World Cup just weeks away following the April 30 gathering, the 76th Congress is poised to carry an added sense of excitement and significance.

What Happened Last Time? A Look Back at the 2022 FIFA Congress

To understand the significance of Vancouver's moment on the world stage, it is worth reflecting on what took place at the most recent FIFA Congress held ahead of a World Cup year.

On March 31, 2022, the 72nd FIFA Congress convened in Doha, Qatar — on the eve of the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. FIFA President Gianni Infantino delivered a wide-ranging address to delegates assembled from all but one of FIFA's 211 member associations, with three central themes dominating proceedings: global conflict, the unifying power of football, and human rights.

Infantino made a passionate plea for world peace, calling on political leaders everywhere to pursue dialogue over division. "We live in an aggressive world, in a divided world, but I am a big believer in the power of football to bring people together and to cross cultural boundaries," he told delegates.

Invoking the words of Nelson Mandela — that sport has the power to change the world — Infantino acknowledged football's limits while championing its unique ability to rebuild relationships and foster understanding in the aftermath of conflict.

On the financial front, the Congress heard encouraging news about FIFA's governance and economic strength. Not only had the organisation weathered the COVID-19 pandemic without suffering losses, but revenues for the 2022 cycle were projected to reach approximately USD 7 billion — some USD 600 million above target.

Reinforcing the credibility of FIFA's reformed governance, the U.S. Department of Justice returned USD 201 million — previously seized from corrupt FIFA officials — to the FIFA Foundation for reinvestment in the sport. The Congress also saw the launch of the FIFA Forward 3.0 programme, delivering a 25% funding increase to member associations compared to 2016 levels, with each association set to receive around USD 8 million over a four-year period.

Infantino concluded by announcing his intention to stand for re-election in 2023, citing a seven-fold increase in solidarity distribution payments to member associations since he first took office as evidence of the progress made — and the work still to come. It was a Congress defined by ambition, accountability, and an abiding belief in football's power to unite a fractured world. Vancouver 2026 will look to build on that legacy.

About FIFA

Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) is the international governing body of association football, futsal, and beach soccer, headquartered in Zürich, Switzerland. Founded on May 21, 1904, FIFA oversees the sport's global development, governance, and regulation across its 211 member associations — making it one of the largest and most influential sporting organisations in the world. FIFA is responsible for organising and overseeing the sport's most prestigious international competitions, most notably the FIFA World Cup™, which stands as the most-watched sporting event on the planet.

Under its current leadership, FIFA remains committed to growing the game at every level — from grassroots development to the elite stage — through programmes such as FIFA Forward, which channels funding directly to member associations to advance football's reach and impact worldwide. With a mission rooted in the belief that football has the unique power to unite people across cultures, borders, and backgrounds, FIFA continues to use the beautiful game as a force for positive change, social inclusion, and global understanding.

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