Your Guide to Vancouver: The Ultimate FIFA World Cup 2026™ Host City

Last Updated: December 4, 2025
OP
By Olivia Peltier
5 min read
Exterior shot of the BC Place stadium in Vancouver.

As one of the official Canada FIFA World Cup 2026™ host cities, Vancouver will welcome fans and players from across the globe to its shores this summer. BC Place will serve as the city’s official World Cup 2026 location, hosting seven matches throughout the tournament.

For all up to date information on Vancouver's matches, events and more, head over to our guide here.

Vancouver visitors are in for an experience that is truly special, one that offers a rare blend of natural beauty, global culture, and premier sports-viewing facilities. Between matches, fans can explore vibrant neighbourhoods, dine at world-class culinary establishments, and explore the jaw-dropping beauty of the Pacific Northwest, all within minutes of BC Place.

Where Will Vancouver’s FIFA World Cup 26™ Games Be Held?

Exterior view of BC Place with the ocean in the foreground.
BC Place, Vancouver.

As one of the official Canada FIFA World Cup 26™ venues, BC Place in Vancouver will host seven tournament matches. These include Canada’s second and third-group fixtures, followed by two knockout games in the latter stages of the tournament.

Framed by jaw-dropping views over the North Shore mountains and the shores of False Creek, BC Place is one of Vancouver's most beautiful landmarks. Situated just steps away from eclectic neighbourhoods such as Yaletown, Gastown and Chinatown, there are endless options for great food, drinks, and things to do before or after an event.

What Are Vancouver’s Top Nature Experiences?

A dad and his son biking along the seawall in Vancouver.
Seawall Vancouver.

One of the defining characteristics of Vancouver is its close connection to the natural world, in proximity and in spirit. Minutes from the stadium, fans can trade the roar of the crowd for the calm of nature. Mountain trails, oceanfront paths, and sprawling rainforests are all a stone’s throw away, providing the perfect setting for summer adventures between matches.

Stanley Park

Resting on the edge of the city is Stanley Park, a 400-hectare rainforest home to towering cedar and hemlock trees, stunning white-sand beaches, scenic walkways, and expansive lookouts. Visitors can cruise the Seawall, a 10-kilometre paved waterfront path encircling the area. It’s one of the most accessible parks in the world, perfectly suited for strollers, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and bikes.

Capilano Suspension Bridge

Topping the list of North Shore experiences is the iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Suspended 70 meters above a rushing river, surrounded by the lush green rainforest canopy, a 137-meter suspension bridge stretches across the width of the canyon. The area is rich in natural beauty and family-friendly activities throughout the park. It’s easy to reach by transit, a 15-minute Uber, or the free shuttle service from downtown.

Grouse Mountain

Rising above the city is another North Shore landmark, Grouse Mountain. It’s the go-to destination for world-class hiking, ziplining, and outdoor adventures. Visitors can ride the gondola straight to the summit, enjoying panoramic views of the city, the ocean, and the mountains beyond. For an adrenaline-pumping activity that gets your legs moving, tackle the legendary Grouse Grind. And don’t forget to stop by the wildlife refuge to say hello to the resident grizzly bears. When it’s time for a bite to eat, head to Altitudes Bistro for a plate of their legendary nachos, paired with sweeping views of the Lower Mainland, more than 1,100 meters below.

What Are the Top Things to Do in Vancouver’s City Centre?

Two people coming off from the Aquabus with BC Place in the background in Vancouver.
Aquabus, Vancouver.

In just a 10-minute Uber or a quick False Creek ferry or Aquabus trip, you can journey across the water to Granville Island. Once an industrial area, it’s been transformed into a bustling arts, culture, and culinary hub. It’s the destination for artisan crafts and souvenirs or a West Coast seafood feast. At the center stands the Granville Island Market, where you can wander for hours, shopping from dozens of stalls selling everything from freshly baked pastries to wild-caught seafood and handcrafted art.

Just a 15-minute walk from the stadium brings you to Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest and most charming neighbourhood. With its red cobblestone streets, sun-drenched patios, and the famous steam clock drawing crowds to watch it in action, it’s a must on any Vancouver itinerary.

If you’re in the mood to shop, wander down Robson Street where you’ll find blocks of boutiques, luxury designer stores, and Vancouver originals like Aritzia and Lululemon. And when you’re ready for a break, you’ll find delicious pastry shops, caéfs, and sushi joints just steps away.

Down the street is the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art, the only public gallery in Canada solely dedicated to contemporary Northwest Coast Art. The gallery features the work of renowned Haida artist Bill Reid, alongside rotating exhibitions by Indigenous artists from throughout the region and around the world. It’s a space to learn, reflect, and deepen your appreciation for Indigenous arts and culture.

As the FIFA World Cup 2026™ approaches, Vancouver is ready to welcome you. From the roar of the stadium to the hush of the rainforest, Vancouver promises a World Cup experience unlike any other. Your trip will be one in which every moment, on and off the field, is overflowing with energy, beauty, and excitement.

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