Where’s the hype 100 days from Vancouver hosting World Cup matches?
Posted March 4, 2026 7:28 am.
In just under 100 days, the first FIFA World Cup match will be played at BC Place. However, in the lead-up to one of the biggest events in the world, some people have tempered expectations and serious concerns.
Canada is hosting 13 matches, seven in Vancouver, and six in Toronto.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO 1130 NEWSRADIO VANCOUVER LIVE!1130 NewsRadio hit the streets to see how Vancouverites are feeling about the tournament and the world arriving.
Alex says he doesn’t think getting into the stadium will be accessible or affordable to most people.
“Based on the ticket prices I saw, not at all. I think it’s pretty cost-prohibitive. Even more seats up in the nosebleeds. It seems to be pretty unaffordable for the average person. I couldn’t spend that much money on it,” said Alex.
One Vancouver ticket re-seller says prices are so high that people may want to consider re-mortgaging their home nab a couple of seats.
Others hope the events will be big for tourism, on which B.C.’s economy relies to help boost its bottom line.
“It’ll bring a lot of people and hopefully a lot of money into our economy. We need that. We need more money,” said Kayla.
The FIFA World Cup comes at a time when B.C. is swimming in red ink. The province’s recent budget came with a reduction of 15,000 public sector jobs over three years and a projected deficit of $13.3 billion by 2026-27.
The B.C. government estimated it could spend as much as $624 million on hosting duties.
“I’m not excited,” said Sam.
“I think the money the city is spending on that could be spent better. I don’t really care about soccer, so it’s just a lot of people to me.”
Others hope the matches will bring similar vibes to the 2010 Games.
“I was a kid when the Olympics were in town. I remember how lively the city was and how active, and how much stuff was going on, and it was really interesting to see that,” said Eric.
“It’ll be nice to see everyone come, to see who shows up, and I think Team Canada looks good this year, hopefully… but it’s cool to be put on an international stage again.”
Andrew added, “I think it’ll bring a lot of new people to the city. People might like it, and they might stay here.”
Lawrence thinks hosting is what the city needs right now.
“There were a lot of objections to Expo 86. There were objections to the Winter Olympics, and they worked out great, and I think this will work out great, and people will have a great time.”
Millions of people are expected to make their way to North America to take in the beautiful game. Meanwhile, the United States and Mexico are both potential causes for geopolitical and safety concerns, with the two other host nations embroiled in violence at home and wars in other countries.
Canada’s men’s national soccer team head coach Jesse Marsch is an American. Last year, he refuted U.S. President Donald Trump’s ongoing commentary on annexing Canada.
“Canada is a strong, independent nation that is deep-rooted in decency, really, and it’s a place that values high ethics and respect,” said Marsch.
“If I have one message to our president, it’s, ‘Lay off the ridiculous rhetoric about Canada being the 51st state.’ As an American, I’m ashamed of the arrogance and disregard that we’ve shown one of our historically oldest, strongest and most loyal allies.”
The first match at BC Place is on June 13. Team Canada will play on June 18 versus Qatar.
—With files from Ayden Singh
