FIFA WORLD CUP 2026

Vancouver is set to take the global stage as a host city for the FIFA World Cup in 2026.

What is FIFA 2026?

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is the biggest tournament in the event’s history, bringing 48 national teams to cities across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico—including Vancouver.

Key Dates:

• Matches in Vancouver: June 13, June 18, June 21, June 24, June 26, July 2 and July 7
• FIFA Congress: April 30, 2026

Teams Playing in Vancouver:

• Australia
• Belgium
• Canada
• Egypt
• New Zealand
• Qatar
• Switzerland

See full match schedule here.

Latest Information for Businesses

• New bylaws in place beginning May 13 – July 20, 2026 around advertising, vending, noise, graffiti removal and the management of public space. Read more

• The BCRFA has officially secured the foodservice contract, Taste the Beautiful Game – B.C. Style, which aims to help restaurants host watch parties, drive traffic, celebrate B.C.–grown food and drink, and share in the economic benefits. Register now.

• Patio Permitting: City council has approved new patio guidelines as well as waived application fees to support faster and easier patio construction ahead of the summer season.
• Liquor Licensing: Businesses may also be able to benefit from liquor policy amendments from earlier this year that allow restaurants with liquor service and liquor primary establishments to stay open later.
• Public View Licenses: The FIFA application portal is now open for public viewing licenses.

Resources

• There will be an opportunity to apply for the Activation Fund and Beautification Fund through Downtown Van beginning early 2026.
• BC Tourism FC Playbook – Provides guidance to tourism partners when it comes to engaging with the FIFA World Cup 2026 opportunity.
• BC Business Guide – Focuses on taking action, getting started, learning event details, and finding answers.
• Community Engagement Playbook – Learn what businesses can or cannot do when activating during FIFA.
• Comprehensive Checklist – Helps businesses prepare for the 2026 World Cup.

Events Happening During FIFA Period

The calendar will be updated as more events get confirmed.

Road Closures

Match Day Road Closures

Non-Match Day Road Closures

More information on road closures.

Transit Updates

With temporary road closures, controlled areas, and traffic management measures near venues, transit will be the fastest and easiest way to reach BC Place Vancouver and the rest of the region. TransLink will be delivering major service increases across bus, SkyTrain, SeaBus, and the West Coast Express, supported by more frontline staff to manage crowds, support safety, and keep people moving efficiently. Check out the rider guide here.

Quick Links

• Request Public Viewing Licenses – Planning a watch party? Here’s where to start.
• Vancouver FIFA World Cup Newsletter – Get the latest updates straight to your inbox.
• Home Turf Tool Kit – Brought to you by Destination Vancouver, this ready-to-use visual identity system is designed to help local businesses bring the excitement of FIFA World Cup 26 to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

 Can my business host a World Cup watch party?  

• If you are a bar/restaurant showing matches within your place of business as part of normal operations, no FIFA license is required as long as you follow the guidelines for the use of FIFA Intellectual Property.   
• If you host a match viewing event with over 1,000 people, sponsors/branded activations, or ticket sales, a FIFA Public Viewing License is required.   

 How can I participate without creating an unauthorized association with FIFA? 

• FIFA has strict rules against unauthorized parties using their protected properties.
• As a non-FIFA rights holder, a business cannot use FIFA logos, slogans, images or terms to imply affiliation.  
• Businesses can decorate storefronts with country flags, national colours, and generic soccer imagery.  
• See page 15 of the Community Activation Playbook for more details on what is and isn’t permitted. 

 Will events be going on downtown during the World Cup? 

• The official FIFA Fan Festival will be located at the PNE at Hastings Park. This will be the primary large-scale event outside of the games themselves in Vancouver.
• Public events are allowed to continue during the tournament period as long as they do not suggest an association with FIFA. 
• The City of Vancouver has developed a Parallel Event Strategy that aims to ensure that annual events that occur during the tournament period are allowed to continue, where feasible. 
• Events will go through the typical permitting process through the City.  

 What can I expect downtown during the tournament? 

• Downtown will see a significant increase in people during the tournament, particularly on the days of the games. 50,000+ fans will be attending each of the seven games at BC Place. 
• Downtown is within the 2-kilometre radius “Controlled Area” that is required on each Match Day and the day before. The primary purposes of the area are to maintain clear access for emergency services, teams, officials, volunteers, and fans and to manage commercial activity to prevent unauthorized marketing or signage that could imply a false association with FIFA or its partners. 
• Businesses within the Controlled Area are not required to close and are encouraged to remain open and welcoming during the tournament.  

Questions?

If you have any questions or feedback on how Downtown Van or the City of Vancouver can support your business during the FIFA World Cup, please fill out this brief survey. You can also reach out to the FIFA Host Committee Team directly via email (fwc26inquiries@vancouver.ca)

Check Back Soon

Regular updates will be made to this page as more details become available including opportunities to participate in city-led activations, navigating FIFA branding guidelines and preparing for increased foot traffic downtown.

Last updated: May 13, 2026.