Host City Vancouver preparing to welcome the world following the FIFA World Cup 26™ Draw, including hosting Australia’s first match of the tournament
Vancouver, BC I 06 DECEMBER 2025—Following this week’s FIFA World Cup 26™ Draw, Vancouver is preparing to welcome fans, teams, and global attention as one of next year’s World Cup 16 host cities.
Australia will open its tournament challenge on June 13 at BC Place, giving Vancouver a stellar opportunity to welcome some of our favourite visitors and a key market that has long embraced the city’s mix of nature, culture, and sport.
Vancouver’s iconic BC Place will host seven matches as part of the world’s biggest sporting event: five group-stage games, one Round of 32 fixture, and one Round of 16 tie. Team Canada will play two group-stage matches in Vancouver, taking to the field on Thursday, June 18 against Qatar, and play Switzerland on Wednesday, June 24.
“Hosting seven matches here in Vancouver is an extraordinary opportunity for our city to build on the interest in Vancouver as a place people want to visit, explore, and return to,” said Royce Chwin, President & CEO of Destination Vancouver. “The FIFA World Cup is more than a sporting event. It connects people and nations, strengthens local businesses, and showcases the diversity and creativity that define our communities. We’re excited to welcome visitors from around the world and to introduce new fans to Vancouver.”
Vancouver has a strong record of delivering exceptional global sporting events. The city has hosted the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup™ Final, Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, the HSBC Canada Sevens, last year’s CFL Grey Cup, the Laver Cup, and numerous international championships across cycling, triathlon, rugby, and snow sports. These events consistently demonstrate Vancouver’s ability to offer world-class venues, efficient operations, and an outstanding visitor experience.
“Team Vancouver is working together to ensure an exceptional experience for fans, locals, and visitors. We’re committed to delivering an unforgettable experience that reflects the best of who we are: welcoming, dynamic, and proud of our place on the world stage,” added Chwin.
To complement stadium-day excitement, Vancouver will also host a Fan Fest at Hastings Park, offering a central gathering place for residents and visitors to celebrate the tournament, enjoy free programming, and share in the energy of match days.
Media contact:
Suzanne Walters | Director, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement
T 604.328.2701
E swalters@destinationvancouver.com
About Destination Vancouver
Destination Vancouver is the non-profit, member-based destination marketing and management organization for the spectacular city of Vancouver, BC. Our purpose is to transform our communities and our visitors through the power of travel and to be thoughtful leaders, advocates and ambassadors for our city. We work with our partners in Vancouver's visitor economy to develop compelling experiences and offerings for our visitors and to promote Vancouver in key Canadian, US, and international markets. The responsibility to build a sustainable and resilient visitor economy is the foundation of everything we do.
Vancouver Host Committee website: vancouverfwc26.ca