Is the cost of hosting FIFA in Vancouver worth it? Poll finds many say no

Despite excitement building around Canada’s performance on the international stage, a new poll finds many locals are calling foul on B.C. playing host in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

New figures from the Angus Reid Institute show people living in B.C. are three times as likely to say hosting the soccer tournament isn’t worth it, given the rising cost. In April, the province shared that it would be on the hook for much more than initially thought, with estimated costs more than doubling, rising to between $483 million and $581 million, from between $240 million and $260 million in June 2022.

Initially, Vancouver was set to host five games. That figure has since changed to seven, contributing to the rising cost estimates.

According to the Institute’s latest polling, 60 per cent of B.C. residents and 61 per cent of Metro Vancouver residents “say the investment to host a portion of the tournament is not worth the price.” On the flip side, the pollster says 21 per cent of respondents do feel it’s worthwhile.

When it comes down to who feels hosting seven FIFA games in B.C. is “worth it,” the institute says 25 per cent are men “and those earning more than $100,000 (26%).”

Rising costs

Overall, Canada is set to host 13 games in 2026 — six of them in Toronto and the remainder in Vancouver.

While estimated costs have risen, the B.C. government has said so too have estimated revenues and recoveries.

The province said in April that B.C. is getting $116 million in direct funding from the federal government. An additional $230 million in revenue is anticipated from things like the major events municipal and regional district tax introduced by Vancouver in 2023, with another up to $90 million expected from other revenue sources, the government continued.

With all these factors considered, the province said the “net core cost of seven” games is expected to be between $100 million and $145 million.

“This does not take into account potential additional provincial tax revenues as identified in the Province’s updated estimates of economic impact benefits, which are projected to be $224 million,” the provincial government explained.

“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 Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Lana Popham. “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 B.C.”

In addition to the anticipated revenue and recoveries from the event itself, the province says the economic benefits of hosting the matches could translate into more than $1 billion in additional visitor spending between 2026 and 2031.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim has been a major advocate for the World Cup and even compared the economic value to 30 or 40 Superbowls.

On Friday, Sim reemphasized the economic benefits and said that some of the $100 million price tag will go toward facility upgrades that will benefit the city for years.

With files from Joe Sadowski.