Vancouver kicks-off development on FIFA World Cup 26 Vancouver™ training site at Killarney Park
Beginning in January 2025, the Vancouver Park Board, in partnership with the City of Vancouver, will begin construction to transform Killarney Park into a Venue-Specific Training Site (VSTS) for the FIFA World Cup 26 Vancouver™. Construction is expected to be completed by December 2025. To support its use during the tournament and facilitate post-event restorations, the site will remain closed to the public until fall 2026.
A requirement for all 16 host cities, the VSTS will support international teams with world-class fields as they prepare for their matches at BC Place Vancouver. The Killarney Park training site will include grass soccer pitches, field lights, team facilities such as locker rooms, provisions for privacy and a press conference room.
The upgrades planned for Killarney Park will have lasting positive impacts for the community once re-opened to the public, including enhanced grass sports fields, improved ground conditions, drainage and irrigation, new utilities and modern field lighting. Additionally, during the closure the Park Board will be progressing their track and field renewal project, upgrading and expanding the running track into a comprehensive track and field facility.
The Park Board and City of Vancouver are working with various sport, education and community groups to identify alternative locations to support their needs during the closure. To accommodate school and casual community use, staff will open a temporary grass field in the park’s southwest area in spring 2025. The dog off-leash area will be relocated to the north portion of west Killarney and remain open throughout the project. The park’s north sports fields (all weather and grass soft ball diamonds) will be closed through fall 2026.
More information on the construction timelines for Vancouver’s second training site at Memorial South Park will be shared when available.
For more information on Vancouver’s training sites, visit www.vancouverfwc26.ca/training-sites.
To learn more about the FIFA World Cup 26 Vancouver™, follow our Instagram, X and Facebook accounts @FWC26Vancouver.
Fans can pre-register for FIFA World Cup 26™ ticket information at www.fifa.com/tickets.
Media contact:
Civic Engagement and Communications
General FIFA World Cup 26™ media inquiries:
FIFA Media Team
media@fifa.org
About FIFA World Cup 26™
FIFA World Cup 26™ will be the biggest sporting event ever, with three Host Countries, 16 Host Cities, 48 teams and 104 matches uniting an entire continent to showcase a momentous new tournament format. With more countries, cities, teams and games, FIFA World Cup 26™ will be the most inclusive tournament ever, engaging millions of fans across 16 unique stadiums and billions worldwide. The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. For the latest FIFA World Cup 26™ information please visit the FIFA World Cup 26™ website. For media representatives wishing to stay up-to-date on all things 2026, please register via the FIFA Media Hub.
