Vancouver one-year countdown to 2026 FIFA World Cup begins

The countdown is on.

This Wednesday marks exactly one year until the 2026 FIFA World Cup — the world’s most-watched sporting event — arrives in Vancouver.

To celebrate the occasion, city and provincial leaders joined event organizers to unveil the official 2026 FIFA World Cup countdown clock at Terry Fox Plaza outside BC Place, which will play host to seven matches — five in the opening round, one in the round of 32, and another in the round of 16 — as part of the expanded 48-team tournament running from June 11, 2026, to July 16, 2026.

But beyond the celebration, there are many questions that need answers before kickoff.

From accommodation and infrastructure gaps to healthcare capacity and security — not to mention the estimated cost — Vancouver faces a long to-do list before the city welcomes an expected 350,000 visitors over the course of five weeks next year.

Public safety top of mind

On Wednesday, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim told reporters that safety planning began even before the city was confirmed as a host, and those plans have since been “augmented” — particularly after the deadly vehicle attack at the Lapu-Lapu Day festival in East Vancouver that left 11 people dead this past April.

“I have all the confidence in the world in the VPD and our security infrastructure,” said Sim.

“There are things that we’ve been working on…and we are going to carry off a very safe FIFA World Cup.”

No formal budget breakdown for security or other World Cup costs has been released, but Sim says the city “will make the necessary investments to make sure that people are safe.”

B.C. Tourism Minister Spencer Chandra Herbert says a full costing will be unveiled later this month.

In April 2024, organizers estimated the total cost to be between $483 million and $581 million — covering city and provincial services as well as upgrades to BC Place.

Despite those numbers, Sim insists the value will outweigh the expense, telling reporters on Wednesday that the economic and cultural impact will be equivalent to “30 to 40 Super Bowls.”

Where will fans stay?

Another pressing concern is accommodation.

A 2024 city report found Vancouver had just 13,000 hotel rooms across 78 properties, and had lost about 550 rooms between 2020 and 2022, in part due to conversions into housing for vulnerable residents.

Chandra Herbert says the province is working with hotel partners across B.C. and is even exploring ferry service from places like Nanaimo to help manage overflow.

He also believes some local homeowners will likely look to rent out their properties, though regulations for short-term rentals remain in place.

“It’s a good problem to have — a whole bunch of people want to come and be with us in B.C., and we can’t wait to welcome them,” Chandra Herbert said.

Tickets

Tickets are expected to officially go on sale later this year, but if current resale listings are any indication, prices will be steep — with some early seats at BC Place already listed at more than $1,000.

In addition to the matches in Vancouver — which is guaranteed to host at least one Canada game — Toronto will also stage six matches.

The rest of the tournament will unfold across 14 cities in the U.S. and Mexico, including opening-day action in Mexico City and Guadalajara.

— With files from the Canadian Press.