By Elke Porter | WBN News Vancouver | August 26, 2025
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be a game-changer for host cities across North America, bringing unprecedented business opportunities alongside logistical challenges. With 350,000 fans expected to attend the seven Vancouver matches at BC Place, this represents our moment to celebrate the sport, showcase vibrant culture, and bring communities together for matches and festivities. The economic ripple effects will be felt far beyond the stadium walls.

Here is a quote from 15 years ago that is still relevant. Back then, the 2010 Olympics had a "Commerce Centre", a business initiative established by the British Columbia provincial government. This was meant to help businesses and communities maximize the job and economic opportunities that would be created leading up to the 2010 Winter Games, , as announced by Premier Gordon Campbell and Minister John Les. Rob Arthurs has now been hired as a Consultant for the City of Vancouver as he played a pivotal role Olympic Legacy - Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver's successful Olympics.

"Most people don’t realize that the Olympics aren’t just about sports and ceremonies—they are also a massive business engine. As the Senior Manager of Procurement at the 2010 Olympic Commerce Centre, I saw firsthand how major sponsors leveraged their involvement far beyond the stadium. These corporations weren’t only buying sponsorship rights; they were also using their allotted tickets and hospitality packages to host their top clients, build relationships, and close deals. Behind the scenes, that meant enormous demand for hotel rooms, rental cars, buses, catering, etc and a wide range of services to support the sponsor experience. This business side of the Games creates just as many opportunities as the competitions themselves—if not more—for those who understand how to engage with it."

— Robert Arthurs, Former Senior Manager of Procurement, 2010 Olympic Commerce Centre

The Golden Opportunity

For businesses and entrepreneurs, the World Cup represents a once-in-a-lifetime chance to tap into a global audience. Writers, publishers, performers, and indigenous artists stand to benefit significantly from the cultural exchange and media attention surrounding the tournament. The closer your business operates to the "epicenter" of World Cup activities, the greater the potential impact – both positive and challenging.

You will also be able to host an event that celebrates the tournament using soccer themes, country colours, and general decorations. However, if your event meets conditions that would typically require a permit, you will need to apply through the appropriate permitting process in your municipality.

Events located within the Controlled Area near BC Place Vancouver Stadium or the FIFA Fan Festival are subject to additional review on Match Days and the day before. Additionally, FIFA branding may not be used unless you are officially licensed, which includes logos, mascots, slogans, and other trademarked materials.

Infrastructure Reality Check

Recent experiences at Vancouver's BC Place Stadium offer a sobering preview of what's to come. During a typical Whitecaps game, crowds leaving the stadium get funnelled down narrow sidewalk past the Canadian Forces armoury and Costco, before reaching the Stadium SkyTrain station, where security guards manage crowd flow due to platform capacity limits. If regular Sunday night games create bottlenecks requiring multiple train departures before fans can enter the station, imagine the chaos with exponentially larger World Cup crowds.

The question becomes: what happens when Uber is fully booked, buses are gridlocked, and the area is secured with FIFA's strict perimeter controls? While TransLink's new train fleet offers hope for improved capacity, the system will face unprecedented stress testing. Parking will also be limited, and parking fees sky-high, so it would be better to leave your vehicle behind, if you can.

Official Business Pathways

The FIFA World Cup 26™ Vancouver Host Committee has developed a Community Activation Playbook to guide businesses through proper participation channels. Two primary opportunities exist for legitimate commercial engagement:

Local Licensing Program: FIFA has launched a unique licensing program allowing British Columbia businesses to become Official Licensees, designing and selling official FIFA World Cup 26 Vancouver™ merchandise that celebrates local culture and creativity. This program focuses on locally made and distributed products, offering authentic participation in the global event.

Authorized Retail Network: Businesses can stock official licensed merchandise from established FIFA licensees. Companies like City Merchandise offer drinkware, fan products, and apparel, while specialized providers like Arctic Squad focus on apparel, Cappeli Sport handles balls, and John Hatter & Co produces caps. From Funko's collectible figurines to Northcott's cotton fabrics, the product range spans everything from Crocs charms to camping equipment from Mesuca.

The business potential of the FIFA World Cup 26™ in Vancouver comes with significant regulatory caveats. FIFA imposes strict controls around venues like BC Place, limiting unauthorized commercial activities to protect official sponsors. Use of FIFA marks, logos, wordmarks, and slogans requires formal licensing or official partnership. Media accreditation follows stringent protocols, and businesses near venues may face operational disruptions, such as restricted access, during match days (June 13 to July 7, 2026), though closures are not mandated.

The Community Activation Playbook (Version 1.0) provides guidance for compliant participation. Vancouver-based businesses can host events by obtaining permits through the City of Vancouver’s existing processes and a temporary FIFA bylaw. Creative celebrations with country flags, soccer themes, and community pride are encouraged, provided they avoid FIFA’s protected branding. FIFA Public Viewing Licenses enable businesses to host compliant public screening events, aligning with FIFA’s regulations while leveraging the event’s economic potential, including over $1 billion in visitor spending and 18,000 supported jobs.

Notes: All information aligns with the Community Activation Playbook, City of Vancouver resources, and FIFA’s standard practices. Businesses should check for Playbook updates, apply for permits early, and plan for potential access restrictions near BC Place.

Strategic Positioning

Success in the World Cup business environment requires early preparation, regulatory compliance, and creative adaptation. Whether you're documenting the transformation of your neighbourhood for WBN News or pivoting your service model to accommodate the influx, the businesses that thrive will be those that anticipate challenges while maximizing the unprecedented exposure this global event provides.

The 2026 World Cup isn't just about football – it's about positioning your business at the centre of the world's attention through legitimate, compliant participation in this historic celebration.

TAGS: #World Cup 2026 #Vancouver Business #FIFA Licensing #BC Business #World Cup Opportunity #Vancouver 2026 #WBN News World Sports Edition #Elke Porter

Contact Elke Porter at:
Westcoast German Media
LinkedIn: Elke Porter or
WhatsApp:  +1 604 828 8788.
Public Relations. Communications. Education

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