2026 World Cup Guide: Vancouver
Return to Matador Network’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Travel Guide.
Vancouver has been on the global sports stage for more than a decade, ever since it hosted the 2010 Winyer Olympis Games. It also has a proven track record for hosting major soccer events, such as the FIFA Women’s World Cup final, held in Vancouver in 2015. Its games are bound to light up the city, as the Vancouver World Cup matches will be at BC Place — a venue smack in the middle of downtown just steps from sports bars waiting to welcome fans before and after the matches.
Venue: BC Place
Capacity: 54,000
Match dates
Vancouver will host five group stage matches, including two featuring Team Canada, plus a Round of 32 and a Round of 16 knockout game:
- Saturday, June 13, 2026: Group Stage, Match 6
- Thursday, June 18, 2026: Group Stage, Match 27 (Canada game two)
- Sunday, June 21, 2026: Group Stage, Match 40
- Wednesday, June 24, 2026: Group Stage, 51 (Canada game three)
- Friday, June 26, 2026: Group Stage, Match 64
- Thursday, July 2, 2026: Round of 32, Match 85
- Tuesday, July 7, 2026: Round of 16, Match 96
How to get to BC Place from Vancouver
Photo: Noah Sauve/Shutterstock
Getting to BC Place for Vancouver’s World Cup matches is straightforward, thanks to the city’s efficient public transit and walkable downtown.
BC Place is in downtown Vancouver and best reached via the city’s SkyTrain system, as the Stadium–Chinatown Station (on the Expo Line) is just steps from the stadium. However, the SkyTrain Vancouver City Centre Station (on the Canada Line) is also within easy walking distance. TransLink operates frequent trains and buses throughout the city, and service is typically usually increased for major events. You can pay with a Compass card, or just use a touch-to-pay program like Apple Wallet.
If you’re staying downtown, BC Place you may just be able to walk to BC Place, as the area is pedestrian-friendly. There are also bike share stations nearby, though bikes may get snapped up fast with so many people in town all trying to get to the same place.
Driving to BC Place is possible, but not recommended. Parking in downtown Vancouver is both expensive and limited, especially during major events. If you must drive, plan ahead and consider reserving a spot in advance. If you’re coming in from outside Vancouver, Pacific Central Station is the city’s main hub for trains and buses. From the station, it’s a short SkyTrain or taxi ride to BC Place.
Official Fan Zones for the Vancouver World Cup Matches
Photo: Vancouver FIFA World Cup
Vancouver’s official FIFA Fan Festival for the 2026 World Cup is at Hastings Park, scheduled for June 11 to July 19. It’ll be a central social space for fans to watch games and socialized during the World Cup, with matches shown on a huge screen inside the to-be-built Freedom Mobile Arch Amphitheatre. It’ll hold 10,000 people and show all the games. There will also likely be live music, cultural performances, art installations, and interactive sports exhibits (including lawn games and laid-back outdoor draws). The Fan Festivals are family-friendly and always free. Expect large crowds during all matches, but especially when team Canada is playing.
Where to Eat, Play, and Stay in Vancouver During the World Cup
Where to Eat, Play, and Stay in Vancouver During the World Cup
BC Place Stadium is in the heart of downtown Vancouver, super close to all the city’s best things to do. Here’s what you should know before you plan your trip to the Vancouver World Cup games, along with where to stay and where to watch the action when you aren’t at the stadium.
The Best Hotels Near BC Place
The Best Hotels Near BC Place
Whether you can splurge on a luxurious suite with stadium views, a hotel with all the amenities just steps from the gates, or a boutique spot with character, these are the best hotels near BC Place for fans coming to Vancouver for the biggest tournament in soccer.
The 7 Best Soccer Bars in Vancouver for watching the World Cup
The 7 Best Soccer Bars in Vancouver for watching the World Cup
Vancouver is a city where diversity, community, and a passion for being active and outdoorsy converge. So, no surprise: Vancouver’s sports bars are busy as can be during hockey, baseball, and — of course — soccer game days. Here’s where to go.
More to do in Vancouver
Photo: Airbnb
The city’s focus will probably be on soccer when June and July 2026 roll around — but that doesn’t mean yours has to be. Vancouver has unbeatable access to outdoor recreation, as far as cities go, and is also quite close to other great destinations like Vancouver Island, Whistler, and the Sea to Sky Highway. Here’s what else you need to make the most of your trip.
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