BC Government News Release: FIFA World Cup 2026 hits halfway mark, delivers immediate benefits to BC

Details from this BC Government news release:

Summary

• Canada’s match against Qatar at BC Place Vancouver was watched by 11.7 million viewers nationwide, making it the most watched FIFA World Cup group stage match ever in Canada
• The first five matches at BC Place Vancouver were full houses, with FIFA reporting 52,497 attendees at each match
• More than 330,000 people attended FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver between June 11 and June 28, 2026
• Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association reports that bars, restaurants are exceeding sales expectations, and retailers are seeing increased foot traffic
• The Province is committed to ensuring everyone in B.C. benefits from hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 by investing in legacy projects such as the Mini Peaks Legacy Program, funding community events and watch parties and providing 500 free match tickets to children and youth

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With the FIFA World Cup 2026 just past the halfway mark, Vancouver and British Columbia are seeing the positive impacts on people, businesses and communities, as people in British Columbia celebrate the success of the Canada Men’s National Team as it advances to the round of 16 in the knockout stage.

“Seeing everyone in Vancouver and British Columbia come together to cheer for Canada has been nothing short of inspiring,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts Culture and Sport. “We are showing the world that British Columbia is a welcoming place where multiculturalism thrives and everyone is welcome, no matter what colour jersey you wear. We are incredibly proud of the accomplishments of the Canada Men’s National Team and look forward to hosting two more matches in Vancouver.”

Five Vancouver-hosted group stage matches and numerous watch parties at FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver and in communities throughout the province have brought visitors from around the world and British Columbians together for soccer-themed events and celebrations. Thousands of fans have participated in fan marches leading up to each match held in Vancouver. Every match at BC Place Vancouver so far has been a full house, according to FIFA, including Canada’s historic 6-0 win against Qatar that saw a record-breaking 11.7 million unique Canadian viewers watch the TSN, CTV, Crave, Noovo and RDS broadcasted match.

FIFA Fan Festival Vancouver has seen more than 330,000 attendees from June 11-28, 2026, with the biggest crowds on June 18 during the Canada-Qatar match, on June 24 when the newly built amphitheatre sold out for Canada’s match against Switzerland, and on June 28 when fans watched Canada win its first-ever knockout stage match against South Africa. Fans lined up before the doors opened, demonstrating the interest in free access to the amphitheatre floor, provided by the City of Vancouver and the Province.

“Vancouver has embraced the FIFA World Cup with incredible energy, pride and hospitality,” said Ken Sim, mayor of Vancouver. “From the electric atmosphere along the Last Mile to the thousands of people gathering at the FIFA Fan Festival, fans have come together at events, watch parties and community celebrations across the city, turning Vancouver into a vibrant celebration of the world’s game.”

The Province is committed to ensuring that the legacy of hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 is felt long after the final whistle. In partnership with PavCo and the Vancouver Host Committee, 500 free tickets have been provided through the BC Place Community Benefits Program to children and youth facing barriers, so they can attend matches at BC Place Vancouver and experience the unifying power of sport. Additionally, in partnership with viaSport and the Vancouver Whitecaps, the Mini Peaks Legacy Program will deliver up to 20 state-of-the-art mini pitches to communities, supporting year-round play and inclusive recreation.

Immediate economic impacts on businesses

Businesses throughout Vancouver are reporting significant increases in sales, especially on match days, with some restaurants and bars reporting increases as high as 40%.

“My staff set high goals for their weekly sales targets, and we’ve been exceeding them by more than 50% since the start of the tournament,” said William Donnellan, owner, Donnellan’s Irish Pub on Vancouver’s Granville Street. “I’ve heard from my fellow business owners in the area that there has been a huge amount of positive feedback from fans, patrons and employees. Even my family back in Ireland say that they’re seeing positive coverage of Vancouver and B.C. that is enhancing our international profile.”

Some establishments are reporting sales higher than on St. Patrick’s Day and during the Super Bowl.

“The positive impact of pedestrianizing Granville during the FIFA World Cup simply cannot be overstated,” said Nate Sabine, director of business development, Good Co. Granville. “Fans of every age, nationality and background have come together to celebrate, with people literally brought to tears as their teams advance. Our staff have earned more than they ever have before and our relationships with Downtown Van, the City, and the Province have never been stronger.”

Other businesses getting economic benefits include:

• Sports apparel stores are selling out of Canada jerseys.
• Nightclubs have seen record-breaking sales.
• Tattoo parlours have seen a significant increase in clients, many of whom are looking for Maple Leaf ink to showcase Canadian pride.
• Some Vancouver-based retailers are reporting a 13% jump in television sales year-over-year in the first half of June and a 33% increase year-over-year for TV screens 70 inches and bigger.
• Vancouver International Airport is reporting that nearly 1.8 million passengers have flown through the airport, with a daily average of more than 85,000 passengers.

“The passion of Canadian supporters and fans who have travelled here from around the world have created an unforgettable atmosphere and truly become our national team’s 12th player,” Sim said. “As we look ahead to the remaining matches, we’re excited to welcome even more visitors and encourage residents and businesses alike to keep being part of this once-in-a-generation celebration. This tournament is already creating memories that will last a lifetime and showing the world that Vancouver knows how to host major events with heart, energy and community spirit.”

Long-term economic opportunities

The Province has been working in collaboration with Destination BC to showcase BC to the world, encouraging visitation and ensuring that the tourism and economic benefits of hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 are felt throughout the province. The work is a key priority of BC’s Look West: Tourism Sector Action Plan, which aims to capitalize on the global exposure of major events such as the FIFA World Cup 2026 to attract international visitors not just during the event, but for years to come.

“The World Cup is delivering real benefits for BC businesses today, while building long-term opportunities for growth and good jobs for British Columbians in the years to come,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. “Through BC Business House, we are showcasing BC industries to global delegations and connecting local businesses with international partners. Our Look West strategy is opening new markets for BC, and with the global spotlight on us, we are already reaching them.”

BC Business House, a flagship initiative showcasing seven of BC’s key industries to international partners during the tournament, has seen strong engagement. To date, BC Business House has welcomed nearly 900 attendees, including international delegates representing countries such as Albania, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Finland, Italy, Mexico, Romania, South Korea, Sweden, Singapore, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as representatives from the European Union. Participants have included foreign governments, trade agencies, chambers of commerce and businesses. Several delegates attended multiple showcases, contributing to sustained engagement and deeper connections and demonstrating strong global interest in British Columbia as a place to invest, partner and grow.

Community events bring FIFA World Cup 2026 excitement to all corners of BC

FIFA World Cup excitement isn’t only being felt in Vancouver. The Province has been committed to ensuring that people throughout British Columbia benefit from Vancouver hosting seven matches of the FIFA World Cup. Throughout the province, community events and soccer-themed watch parties are helping people feel the excitement and make memories together while watching their favourite teams play. On June 24, 2026, Victoria, Kamloops, Terrace and Nelson organized community events to cheer on Canada when they took on Switzerland in the match that secured their place in the knockout stage. These community events support local businesses and encourage people from different cultures and different countries to come together to celebrate the spirit of soccer and the FIFA World Cup.

FIFA World Cup 2026 making memories that belong to everyone

Beyond the immediate impact on businesses throughout Vancouver, people throughout the province are embracing soccer, such as the Sunset Beach Football Club, which is fuelling a rise in street soccer in Vancouver. The group welcomes players from around the world, alongside those who have lived in Canada all their lives, reflecting multiculturalism and inclusivity of both British Columbia and the beautiful game. Fans in communities such as Campbell River, Tumbler Ridge and Revelstoke hosted community events and watch parties that promoted local youth soccer clubs and encouraged residents to get involved in soccer, support local businesses and foster community connection and strength.

The Province, in partnership with FIFA, the Vancouver Host Committee, PavCo and the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, YVR and TransLink will continue to work to bring the excitement, energy and economic benefits throughout BC during the second half of the World Cup.