By Elke Porter | WBN News World Sports | September 28, 2025
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As Vancouver prepares to host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, the city is implementing strategic measures to manage the anticipated crowds and create a memorable experience for fans. With thousands expected to gather at key venues, Vancouver will establish designated "Controlled Areas" around critical locations to ensure public safety while maintaining accessibility and excitement.

  • Tournament Opens: 11 June 2026 (Mexico City)
  • Canada’s First Match: 12 June 2026 in Toronto
  • Final Match: 19 July 2026 (New Jersey)
  • Total Tournament Duration: 39 days with 104 matches

Defined Boundaries and Coverage

The Controlled Area encompasses two primary zones. Around BC Place Vancouver, a comprehensive 2-kilometer radius will be activated on each Match Day and the day before, creating a substantial buffer zone for crowd management and security operations. Meanwhile, the FIFA Fan Festival™ at Hastings Park will have a more focused 100-meter radius around the official activation site, allowing for targeted control while minimizing disruption to the surrounding area.

Balancing Safety with Business Operations

Within these controlled zones, Vancouver's approach emphasizes both security and economic continuity. The city will maintain clear pathways for emergency services, team officials, volunteers, and fans, ensuring smooth operations during high-traffic periods. Commercial activity will be carefully managed to prevent unauthorized marketing that could create false associations with FIFA or its official partners, protecting the tournament's commercial integrity.

Importantly, local businesses within the Controlled Area are encouraged to remain open and operational. Rather than forcing closures, the city recognizes these venues as vital contributors to the tournament atmosphere and economic activity. This balanced approach allows Vancouver to fulfill its Host City Agreement obligations while supporting the local business community.

Permitting and Compliance

Event organizers and businesses planning special activations or signage within the Controlled Area must navigate the city's standard permitting processes, supplemented by temporary bylaws specific to the FIFA World Cup 26™. This streamlined system ensures proper oversight while facilitating legitimate business activities and community celebrations during this historic sporting event.

The “Controlled Area” includes:
* BC Place Vancouver: A 2-kilometre radius on each Match Day and the day before  * FIFA Fan Festival™ at Hastings Park: A 100-metre radius around the official activation site.

Within these areas, the City of Vancouver will:
* Maintain clear access for emergency services, teams, officials, volunteers, and fans from all around the world. 
* Manage commercial activity to prevent unauthorized marketing or signage that could imply a false association with FIFA or its partners.
* Review event and signage applications under existing permitting processes and a temporary bylaw specific to FIFA World Cup 26™. 
* City of Vancouver | Sign permit 
* City of Vancouver | Organize a special event

Through these carefully planned measures, Vancouver aims to deliver a world-class tournament experience that prioritizes safety, accessibility, and community engagement.

TAGS: #FIFA World Cup 2026 #Vancouver World Cup #BC Place #FIFA Fan Festival #Vancouver 2026 #World Cup Vancouver #WBN News Vancouver #WBN News World Sports Edition #Elke Porter

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