Province provides updates for FIFA World Cup 26

With seven matches to be played in Vancouver during the FIFA World Cup 26 tournament, the province, the City of Vancouver and BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo) have updated their estimates of the costs, revenues and economic benefits for the world’s largest sporting event.

“Major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup 26 have the power to inspire people to take part in sport, strengthen community spirit and shine 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 join us in celebrating this unique opportunity, boosting our tourism industry and economy and securing lasting benefits for BC residents. ”

Gross core costs for FIFA World Cup 26 in Vancouver are estimated at between $483 million and $581 million. These gross costs are expected to be offset by $383 million to $436 million in estimated revenues and recoveries, including:

• $116 million in direct financial contributions from the federal government;
• $230 million in estimated revenue from the additional municipal and regional district major events tax introduced in the City of Vancouver in February 2023; And
• $37 million to $90 million in projected revenues from other sources, such as facility rental fees and FIFA’s commercial revenue program, which includes revenue opportunities at the FIFA Fan Festival, and opportunities for host city supporters and donors, and other provincial revenues.

After taking into account estimated revenues and recoveries, the province estimates the core net cost of seven FIFA World Cup 26 matches at $100 million to $145 million. This does not take into account potential additional provincial tax revenue identified in the province’s updated estimates of economic impact benefits, which are expected to be $224 million.

“The Government of Canada is proud to contribute nearly $116 million to the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup in Vancouver, BC. This event will showcase British Columbia’s hospitality, cultural diversity and landscape, while generating significant economic impact for communities across the province. said Carla Qualtrough, Federal Minister of Sport and Physical Activity. “Canadians are excited to cheer on Team Canada here at home. We are also excited to welcome the world to Vancouver in 2026!”

Now that Vancouver has been confirmed to host seven matches, it is estimated that the economic benefits of hosting will include more than one million out-of-province visitors between 2026 and 2031, generating more than $1 billion in additional visitor spending and potentially up to $224 million in direct expenses. , indirect and other related provincial tax revenues.

The province is committed to maximizing the social and economic impact of these competitions and will work to ensure that people in all regions of the province share in the benefits.

“In just two years, Vancouver will host the largest event in the world,” said Ken Sim, Mayor of Vancouver. “Hosting FIFA World Cup 26 Vancouver will boost Vancouver’s hospitality and entertainment industry, transform our city and make us a world-class destination for tourism and hosting major events for decades to come.”

The province, in partnership with the City of Vancouver, continues to take action toward true and lasting reconciliation. This includes working closely with the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Wauth Nations in the implementation of the tournament and related activities.

“Soccer is an important sport for Musqueam and we know this tournament will inspire a new generation of Musqueam football players and fans,” said Chief Wayne Sparrow, Musqueam Nation. “We look forward to welcoming the world to our Coast Salish lands and contributing to this successful event that has the power to uplift people and bring people together.”

Sxwíxwtn Wilson Williams, spokesperson for Squamish First Nation, said: “The Squamish Nation looks forward to working with our partners to host the world when the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on our shared traditional territories. We are pleased that this global event has the potential to benefit all our collective communities and we look forward to the lasting positive legacy that will emerge from this tournament.”

Chief Jen Thomas of Tsleil-Wauth Nation said: “We believe in the power of sport and how it can inspire and uplift all our people. In the spirit of true reconciliation, the Tsleil-Wauth Nation looks forward to working closely with its partners to realize the great potential this event has for all our people, our countries and our communities.

Investments in renovations and improvements to BC Place will improve accessibility and ensure the stadium remains modern and competitive on the world stage for years to come, so it can continue to attract the world’s best sports, music and events.

Every four years, more than 3.5 billion people watch the Football World Cup.

Learn more:

For more information about Vancouver, host city of FIFA World Cup 26, visit:
https://vancouverfwc26.ca/

For provincial costs, revenues and economic benefit estimates for FIFA World Cup 26, visit:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/FIFA_BG2_BC.pdf

For a City of Vancouver cost estimate for FIFA World Cup 26, visit:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/FIFA_BC_CoV.pdf

For the July 2023 Vancouver FIFA World Cup 2023 Economic Impact Assessment, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/sports-recreation-arts-and-culture/sports/fifa_2026_economic_impacts_and_long_tail_july_2023.pdf

For the Economic Impact Assessment of the March 2024 Vancouver FIFA World Cup 2024, please visit:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/sports-recreation-arts-and-culture/sports/fifa_2026_economic_impacts_and_long_tail_march_2024.pdf

A backgrounder follows.