The FIFA World Cup tournament takes place every four years and in 2026, it will be played in various locations throughout Canada, the United States and Mexico.
Amongst the 16 cities it will be played in across North America, seven matches will take place in Vancouver at BC Place and six will be held in Toronto at BMO Field.
In a media release on Wednesday, April 29th, the BC government provided an update on costs associated with hosting these matches and what they expect to earn back in revenue.
“Marquee sporting events like the FIFA World Cup 26 have the power to inspire people to get involved in sport, amplify community spirit and put a spotlight on our incredible province,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.
“We are excited to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors to Vancouver and British Columbia during the World Cup to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with us, boost our tourism sector and economy and help secure lasting benefits for the people of BC.”
According to the Province, the estimated cost for hosting the World Cup will be between $483 million and $581 million.
The revenue and recoveries expected to come back to BC are between $383 million to $436 million.
However, the burden of cost has been lightened for BC due to a $116 million contribution from the federal government, a $230 million in estimated municipal tax revenue and between $37 million to $90 million in anticipated revenue from other sources, such as facility rental fees and the FIFA commercial revenue program.
After all costs and revenues are taken into consideration, the Province estimates the net cost of seven FIFA World Cup 26 matches will be somewhere in between $100 million and $145 million.
Due to the prominence of the FIFA World Cup, BC expects that over one million out -of-province visitors will be coming into Vancouver and they hope this will generate up to $224 million in direct and indirect provincial tax revenues.
“In just two short years, Vancouver will welcome the biggest event in the world,” said Ken Sim, Mayor of Vancouver.
“Hosting FIFA World Cup 26 Vancouver will boost Vancouver’s hospitality and entertainment industries, transform our city and make us a world-class destination for tourism and major event hosting for decades to come.”
The Province also noted they will be working closely throughout this process with the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations.
According to the BC government, around 3.5 billion people worldwide watch the FIFA World Cup every year and in 2026, all those eyes will be on Vancouver.
