Community Activation

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.
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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.

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.

On matchdays, 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.

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 2026™.

• 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.

Yes, you can host an event that celebrates the tournament using soccer themes, country colours, and general decorations. Just remember:
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• 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 matchdays and the day before.
• FIFA branding may not be used unless you are officially licensed (this includes logos, mascots, slogans, etc.).

You are encouraged to use flags, country colours, and general soccer themes. You cannot use FIFA logos, mascots, or phrases like “FIFA World Cup 2026™” unless you have FIFA’s official approval.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

No, businesses will not be required to close during or because of the FIFA World Cup 2026™. While there will be road closures and traffic calming measures around BC Place on matchdays 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.

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 2026™ Host City requirements.