Province, City of Vancouver, PavCo provide updated costs for FIFA World Cup 26™
Issued jointly by the Province of BC, City of Vancouver and BC Pavilion Corporation
With less than one year to go before Vancouver welcomes the FIFA World Cup 26™, the Province, City of Vancouver (City) and BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo) have released updated estimates on costs and revenues.
“Hosting FIFA World Cup™ is an extraordinary opportunity to showcase our province to the world, and we are determined to do it in a way that reflects who we are and what we value,” said Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Working with Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil Waututh peoples helps us deliver an even better FIFA World Cup™ reflective of where we are, and who we are.”
The economic benefits of hosting seven matches are estimated by the Province to include more than one million additional out-of-province visitors between 2026 and 2031, generating more than $1 billion in additional visitor spending. Over this same period more than 18,000 jobs could be generated. Tourism is one of B.C.’s biggest industries and the FIFA World Cup 26™ is a premier opportunity to promote B.C. on the world stage. Studies show that first time visitors to B.C. are likely to return four times during their lifetime.
“The City of Vancouver’s direct costs, including security, transportation, the FIFA Fan Festival™ and upcoming milestones remain on track, with no major changes from 2024’s budget projections,” said Vancouver Mayor, Ken Sim. “With less than a year to go until the world’s biggest sporting event arrives in Vancouver, we’re working hard to deliver a safe, memorable experience for residents, fans and visitors. We remain committed to managing costs responsibly while maximizing the long-term benefits for our community.”
Walt Judas, CEO, Tourism Industry Association of BC, said: “We’re gearing up to leverage the opportunities for B.C.’s tourism sector. Welcoming fans and visitors from around the globe before, during and after the tournament means real benefits for local tourism businesses and the skilled professionals who power our vibrant industry. We’re looking forward to showcasing unforgettable B.C. experiences and inspiring visitors to keep returning.”
FIFA’s own economic impact assessment covers the period June 2023 to August 2026 and estimates that preparing for and hosting the tournament could contribute $1.7 billion in economic benefits for B.C. That includes a $980 million increase to GDP and $610 million in labour income.
“FIFA World Cup 26™ is more than a series of matches. It’s a catalyst for economic activity, international visibility, and community pride. Hosting seven games will energize our downtown core, including hotels, restaurants, venues, and surrounding neighbourhoods, and will build on Vancouver’s growing $9.6 billion annual visitor economy, which currently supports more than 63,000 jobs,” said Royce Chwin, president and CEO, Destination Vancouver. “It’s a strong vote of confidence in our city’s ability to deliver world-class experiences with real, lasting benefits for local businesses and communities.”
The Province is committed to maximizing the social and economic impacts of these matches and will work to ensure people throughout the province share the benefits.
The FIFA World Cup™ highlights and accelerates provincial priorities, including building a sustainable, clean economy, strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities and advancing reconciliation. Through collaboration among the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, the Province and the City of Vancouver, there is a shared commitment to work together to deliver these matches.
“FIFA World Cup 26™ provides an incredible opportunity for us at Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) to share our culture, our teachings, and our history with the world,” said Sxwíxwtn Wilson Williams, spokesperson, Squamish First Nation. “We are looking forward to welcoming guests to our Territory next year to enjoy the tournament, and to working with all our partners to make FIFA World Cup 26™ the best the globe has ever seen!”
Chief Jen Thomas, əlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation), said: “Our səlilwətaɬ community (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) believes strongly in the power of sport and how it can inspire our people today and our next seven generations. We are proud to work hand-in-hand with our partners to co-create and deliver an incredible tournament with a lasting legacy that benefits everyone."
The Province estimates the updated net core provincial cost of hosting seven FIFA World Cup 26™ matches to be within a planning range of $85 million to $145 million, which is similar to the range estimated last year. This does not consider potential additional provincial tax revenues as identified in the Province’s estimates of economic impact benefits.
“Hosting the FIFA World Cup 26™ in Vancouver is huge for British Columbia and Canada,” said Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport), Government of Canada. “Sport brings us together like nothing else, and this world-class event will showcase British Columbia’s hospitality, culture, and gorgeous landscapes. The FIFA World Cup 26™ is about more than football: local businesses, workers, and communities across the province will all benefit from this exciting hosting opportunity. Canada is thrilled to welcome the world in 2026!”
Renovations and upgrades at the Killarney Park training site are underway and the City is advancing its planning for the FIFA Fan Festival™ and other activities. Renovations and upgrades to BC Place also continue. These improvements will make the stadium more accessible and help it remain modern and competitive so it can continue to attract and host the world’s best sports, music and events.
Learn More:
- Provincial cost, revenue, economic benefit estimates for FIFA World Cup 26™
- City of Vancouver cost and revenue estimates for FIFA World Cup 26™
- March 2024 Vancouver FIFA World Cup 26™ Economic Impact Assessment
What people are saying about benefits of hosting FIFA World Cup 26™
Ken Cretney, president and CEO, PavCo –
“As we continue our journey toward FIFA World Cup 26™, our focus at PavCo is on building a lasting legacy at BC Place. The critical upgrades underway will ensure the stadium remains a premier destination for world-class events, while placing inspirational experiences and community at the forefront of every step forward.”
Gabriel Assis, CEO, BC Soccer –
“Hosting the FIFA World Cup 26™ in B.C. is a fantastic opportunity to improve our sport infrastructure, build organizational capacity and support the development of the next generation of participants across our Province. BC Soccer is committed to working collaboratively with all hosting partners to ensure these benefits are inclusive, far-reaching and enduring, extending well beyond the pitch. We invite supporters of the beautiful game to come together as we prepare our communities to welcome the world in 2026.”
Axel Schuster, CEO and sporting director, Vancouver Whitecaps FC –
“We’re now less than a year away from welcoming the world to our incredible city, an opportunity I believe will leave a lasting legacy for both our sport and our country. At our club, we’re proud to have players, coaches and staff from around the globe, and with each milestone—from the Concacaf Gold Cup at BC Place to FIFA World Cup™ qualifying—the excitement continues to build. We’re honoured to represent Vancouver on the world stage, both on and off the field.”
Paul Hawes, president and CEO, BC Hotel Association –
“FIFA World Cup 26™ is a remarkable opportunity to showcase British Columbia’s world-class hospitality to the world. Our hotels and accommodation providers already support millions of travellers each year, from business events, leisure guests to major event visitors; we are proud to welcome the world with open arms. With the right approach, FIFA World Cup 26™ will be a powerful driver of regional dispersion, encouraging visitors to explore beyond Vancouver and experience the diverse communities, landscapes, products and experiences that make British Columbia truly exceptional.”
Media contacts:
Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
Media Relations
City of Vancouver
Civic Engagement and Communications
