In just a few short months, soccer fans and players from around the globe will travel to Vancouver for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Our city is no stranger to the international sports stage, and it’s ready once again to welcome the world to play, cheer, and experience everything it has to offer. BC Place will host seven matches throughout June and July, and the schedule for Vancouver’s World Cup games is officially here!
And in case you didn’t know, the tournament will be the first to be hosted by three nations.
The Official Vancouver Stadium World Cup Lineup
Saturday, June 13 – AUSTRALIA VS. WINNER OF UEFA PLAY-OFF C
To kick off the matches at BC Place this summer, Team Australia will face one of four opponents: Türkiye, Romania, Slovakia, or Kosovo. The matchup will be confirmed in the European play-off finals on March 31st.
Thursday, June 18 – CANADA VS. QATAR
June 18 marks one of the most anticipated dates of the Vancouver FIFA World Cup 2026™. The city will come alive in a sea of red and white as Team Canada takes the field for the first time in Vancouver to play Team Qatar.
Sunday, June 21 – NEW ZEALAND VS. EGYPT
New Zealand will take to the field in Vancouver for the first time this World Cup, facing Egypt. This matchup promises to be a battle of contrasting styles, histories, and ambitions. Egypt will seek to further cement its legacy, while New Zealand arrives eager to prove itself and make its mark in World Cup history.
Wednesday, June 24 – CANADA VS. SWITZERLAND
Team Canada will return to the pitch for their final Group Stage matchup, this time against Team Switzerland. Tens of thousands of fans will roar from the stands, with countless others watching from screens across the city and around the world. It’s the last chance for each team to fight for their chance to advance to the Round of 32.
Friday, June 26 – NEW ZEALAND VS. BELGIUM
This matchup is a must-see fixture at the World Cup this summer. Belgium arrives with a legacy of world-class talent and a storied history on football’s biggest stage, while New Zealand steps in for its first appearance since 2010.
Thursday, July 2 – ROUND OF 32 MATCH
The final two matches in the World Cup schedule for Vancouver will be knockout rounds, winner-take-all showdowns that determine who advances on the road to the final. This game will feature the winner of Group B vs. a third-place team from either Group E, F, G, I or J.
Tuesday, July 7 – ROUND OF 16 MATCH
Whoever wins the July 2 game at BC Place will play again in Vancouver for a high-stakes match during the second knockout round of the tournament. They will face the winner of Group K or a third-place team from Group D, E, I, J, or L.
[BC Place; photo by Ted McGrath on Flickr]
Why BC Place is the Perfect Venue to Host the World Cup
The Vancouver World Cup stadium features a state-of-the-art retractable roof, offering panoramic ocean and mountain views for its 54,000 spectators. BC Place has a long history of hosting major international sporting events, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015™ Final and the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
BC Place’s prime waterfront location in the heart of downtown offers fans a one-of-a-kind World Cup experience, where world-class restaurants, dozens of hotels, and vibrant nightlife are just steps from the stadium.
Why Should Fans Come to Vancouver for the FIFA World Cup?
Thousands of fans are planning their visits, and Vancouver is ready to captivate with its rare blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and warm, welcoming energy.
[Tofino’s Raincoast Forest Trail]
This city offers fans the chance to pair the thrill of the tournament with an unforgettable West Coast adventure, filled with attractions and experiences suited to every type of traveler. Between matches, fans can explore the lush rainforests of the Pacific Northwest, dine at Michelin-recognized restaurants, unwind on white sand beaches, and shop their way through the city’s trendiest neighbourhoods, all within minutes from the stadium.
[The Westin Grand Vancouver]
There are dozens of great hotels around the downtown core, so you can be a quick ride or walking distance to the stadium or dozens of sports bars.
Staying downtown keeps you close to all the action, with easy access to restaurants, nightlife, and scenic spots to explore between matches.
[My gold medal Paralympic curling photo, shot for BC Living’s Photo Pool]
Remember our city’s energy and spirit when the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games rolled into town? This summer, Vancouver will once again remind the world why it’s one of the most captivating destinations on the planet.
[Meet the FIFA 2026 mascots: Maple the Moose, Zayu the Jaguar, and Clutch the Bald Eagle]
Visit the official FIFA page online and head over to the FIFA Fan Festival™ page for live concert events! The renewed PNE Amphitheatre will host the official FIFA Fan Festival™, featuring live match broadcasts, entertainment, cultural programming, interactive activities, and diverse food options. Accessible and family-friendly, the festival will welcome thousands of fans to our beautiful city.
Top image by UKinUSA on Flickr.
