2026 World Cup Guide: Vancouver

Photo: James Chen/Shutterstock

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

    world cup vancouver - bc place

    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


    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.

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