Community
Activation
Celebrate FIFA World Cup 26™ Across Vancouver and BC
350,000 fans are expected to attend the seven Vancouver matches at BC Place for FIFA World Cup 26™ and the excitement is building across the city and province. For businesses, residents and communities throughout BC, this is our moment to celebrate the sport, showcase our vibrant culture, and bring people together to enjoy the matches and festivities.
This playbook is your guide to joining the FIFA World Cup 26™ celebrations. With tips on activating, permitting and public viewing, you can join us in bringing the FIFA World Cup 26™ atmosphere to life province wide.
Community Activation Playbook
This is Version 1.0 - The FIFA World Cup 26™ Vancouver Host Committee will update this Community Activation Playbook to answer new questions from the community and to include new information and evolving requirements as they become available.
In this Playbook:
- Ideas for celebrating creatively with country flags, soccer themes, and community pride.
- Information on when a FIFA Public Viewing License is needed and how to obtain one.
- Rules on brand use, including a reminder that FIFA marks, logos, wordmarks, slogans, and other branding cannot be used without formal licensing or an official partnership.
- Guidance for Vancouver-based businesses on hosting events during FIFA World Cup 26™ and obtaining permits via the City of Vancouver.
Local licensing opportunities
There are two key opportunities for local businesses to sell official FIFA World Cup 26™ merchandise:
1. Become a local licensee
- FIFA has launched a new licensing program to give local British Columbia businesses the opportunity to become Official Licensees of the FIFA World Cup 26™.
- This is a unique chance to design and sell official FIFA World Cup 26 Vancouver™ merchandise that celebrates our culture and creativity.
- The program complements FIFA’s regional and global partnerships and focuses on locally made and distributed products.
- Apply to FIFA directly here.
2. Sell official licensed products in your store
- Businesses can stock and sell official FIFA World Cup 26™ merchandise produced by official FIFA licensees.
- The following companies hold official FIFA licenses and can be contacted to purchase licensed products.
- For contact details on how to carry these products, please email: FWC26inquiries@vancouver.ca
Licensee
Product Categories
1003773 Ontario Inc.
Posters
Arctic Squad (9285-1096 Quebec Inc.)
Apparel
Cappeli Sport
Balls
City Merchandise
Drinkware, Fan Products, Apparel, Stationary, Bags, Seasonal Decorations
Crocs
Charms
Funko LLC (dual-branded)
3D Figurine
Honav
Pins, Duffle Bags, Backpacks, Passport Holders, Luggage Tags, Carry-on Luggage, Magnets, 2D Keychains
John Hatter & Co
Caps
Jeff Hamilton
Leather Jackets
Kayford
Party Products
Leather Treaty
Fan Products Leather
Luxquest Group LLC
Puzzles, Framed 3D recycled wood made art
Mesuca
Outdoor products (tents, canopies, foldable tables and chairs, camping equipment, etc.)
Nemcor Inc.
Home Textiles (blankets, pillows, throws, etc).
Northcott
Cotton printed fabrics for the quilt, craft and home decor industries.
Outerstuff
Apparel and Headwear
Panini (dual-branded)
Stickers and Trading cards
QLive Panama
Stationery & Office
Sandisk
Consumer Electronics, memory cards, portable SSD, USB
Sincere USA
Pet Products
UPI Marketing
Fan Products
Wagon
Trophy replicas and Fan products
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for my event?
It depends on the type and location of your event. If it's happening on a street, in a park, or on private property and involves activities that would typically require approval, an event permit will be required from your City.
For events in Vancouver, the standard event permitting process applies based on location:
- Engineering Services – Events on streets, sidewalks, and public plazas.
- Board of Parks and Recreation – Events in parks and on the seawall.
- Development, Buildings, and Licensing – Events on private property.
For a full overview of the process, including permits and support, visit:
City of Vancouver | Organize a special event
Liquor sales and service:
If you want to make changes to your liquor license, you need to apply with the Province. This includes temporary patios, extending your hours of service, or hosting an event with your existing liquor licence.
If you want to sell or serve liquor at an event, you may need a Liquor Special Event Permit. For all permits and liquor licence applications, apply to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch as soon as possible.
How long does it take to get a permit?
It depends on the size and complexity of the event. Please contact your municipality for more information. If you’re in Vancouver, Find approximate timelines and more information here.
What is the “Controlled Area” around BC Place that I’ve been hearing about?
On Match Days, thousands of fans will gather in and around BC Place Vancouver and the FIFA Fan Festival™ to experience the energy of the tournament. To ensure a safe, accessible, and enjoyable experience for everyone, the City will establish a designated “Controlled Area” around these key locations.
As part of Vancouver’s Host City Agreement with FIFA, the City of Vancouver is committed to supporting public safety, mobility, and upholding the rights of FIFA World Cup™ commercial partners within the “Controlled Area” throughout the tournament period.
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.
- 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
Importantly, businesses within the Controlled Area are not required to close. Regular operations can continue, and the City encourages local businesses to remain open and welcoming during this exciting time.
If you’re planning an event, activation, or signage within the Controlled Area, please apply through the City’s standard permitting channels.
Can I host a soccer-themed event?
Yes, you can host an event that celebrates the tournament using soccer themes, country colours, and general decorations. Just remember:
- 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.
- FIFA branding may not be used unless you are officially licensed (this includes logos, mascots, slogans, etc.).
Can I decorate my business for the World Cup?
You are encouraged to use flags, country colours, and general soccer themes. You cannot use FIFA logos, mascots, or phrases like “FIFA World Cup 26™” unless you have FIFA’s official approval.
Can I say my business/organization/school/city is “supporting” or “celebrating” the World Cup?
You can say you're welcoming the world or celebrating soccer generally. You cannot say you're officially associated with FIFA or use language that implies an endorsement or partnership unless you have one.
I want to show matches at my bar, cafe, or restaurant. Do I need a license?
If you are showing matches as part of your regular operations on existing screens, you do not need a license. If you are adding sponsors, charging admission, or expect over 1,000 attendees, you are required to obtain a Public Viewing License from FIFA.
You may also need a permit from your municipality for your viewing event.
Obtain permits: Check with your local municipality for any required permits for your event, especially if it will use public spaces such as streets, parks, or plazas. If you are located in the City of Vancouver: Familiarise yourself with exiting processes for special events: The City of Vancouver has a special event permitting handbook that contains useful information for event organisers. See Special Event Permitting Handbook
Organizers are strongly encouraged to apply for both a viewing license and necessary permits in parallel to avoid delays.
What is the cost of a Public Viewing License?
To date, FIFA has not released the prices of Public Viewing Licenses. Please visit, https://publicviewing.fifa.org/public_viewing to find the most up to date information on these rates.
Can I sell soccer-themed products?
Yes, as long as you use generic soccer designs or national flags. You cannot use FIFA logos, slogans, mascots, the trophy or any official branding unless you are a licensee of FIFA.
How will unauthorized branding be enforced?
You should seek independent legal advice to understand the potential ramifications of non-compliance. Brand use will be monitored by the City of Vancouver and FIFA. If FIFA branding is used without permission, the person or business may be asked to remove it. In more serious cases, legal action may be taken. We’re prioritizing education and voluntary participation.
Will my business be shut-down during the World Cup?
No, businesses will not be required to close during or because of the FIFA World Cup 26™. While there will be road closures and traffic calming measures around BC Place on match days to support safe and efficient stadium operations, pedestrian access to surrounding businesses will be maintained. The City is committed to keeping residents and businesses informed and will share detailed information well in advance as planning progresses.
Will FIFA beautification requirements lead to displacement or relocation of people experiencing homelessness?
No, the City of Vancouver is committed to upholding human rights and has no plans to displace or relocate people experiencing homelessness due to FIFA World Cup 26™ Host City requirements.