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10h ago

World Cup Draw Locks In Canada’s Vancouver Matches, Spurring Celebration and Calls for Planning

Excitement over confirmed Vancouver fixtures collides with calls for a coordinated safety plan.

Soccer fans Corrado Lenzi, with his sons Nico, 12, in blue, and Luca, 11, on Commercial Drive in Vancouver on Dec. 5.
Fans watch the FIFA World Cup draw at a viewing party at Craft Beer Market in Vancouver. Canada will face Qatar, Switzerland and the winner of a playoff round in March at B.C. Place during the international tournament.
Soccer fans take in the FIFA 2026 World Cup draw viewing party at the Craft Beer Market in Vancouver on Dec. 5.
Councillor Rebecca Bligh with Councillor Sean Orr calls for a coordinated community-centered readiness paln as the city prepares to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026 in Vancouver on December 5 , 2025.

Overview

  • Canada is placed in Group B and will face Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24 at B.C. Place, with a European playoff winner still to be decided in March 2026.
  • Vancouver hosted an official draw watch party for hundreds at Olympic Village, as Mayor Ken Sim and provincial leaders touted the tournament’s boost for the city.
  • Destination B.C. reaffirmed a forecast of about $1 billion in added tourism revenue between 2026 and 2031 tied to World Cup exposure and visitation.
  • Coun. Rebecca Bligh said she will propose a ‘public safety and community readiness’ working group, and Coun. Sean Orr urged clearer plans to protect vulnerable residents.
  • Early listings on ticket platforms showed high prices for marquee Canada fixtures, and Vancouver’s slate also includes Australia vs. a playoff winner on June 12 and other group matches.