Vancouver: A travel guide to the 2026 World Cup host city

Set between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, Vancouver is arguably one of the most scenic host cities at this year's FIFA World Cup.

Canada's west coast metropolis will welcome fans from around the world for seven matches at BC Place, including two involving the Canadian team.

Beyond football, visitors can expect spectacular natural scenery, a multicultural food scene, easy access to beaches and mountains, and one of North America's most walkable urban centres.

World Cup fixtures in Vancouver

Seven World Cup matches will be hosted at BC Place, the city's retractable-roof stadium in downtown Vancouver, including five group-stage fixtures and two knockout-round matches.

13 June – Group D: Australia vs Türkiye

18 June – Group B: Canada vs Qatar

21 June – Group G: New Zealand vs Egypt

24 June – Group B: Switzerland vs Canada

26 June – Group G: New Zealand vs Belgium

2 July: Round of 32

7 July: Round of 16

Vancouver's sporting culture

Sport is deeply woven into Vancouver's identity. BC Place is home to Major League Soccer side Vancouver Whitecaps and Canadian Football League team the BC Lions, while nearby Rogers Arena hosts NHL franchise the Vancouver Canucks.

The city has also staged major international events including the 2010 Winter Olympics, the FIFA Women's World Cup final in 2015, rugby sevens tournaments and numerous international football matches.

Vancouver's outdoor lifestyle means hiking, cycling, skiing, paddleboarding and running are as much a part of local sporting culture as professional teams.

Landmarks and places to see

Stanley Park tops most visitors' itineraries, offering forest trails, beaches and the famous Seawall path around the waterfront. Granville Island combines markets, galleries and waterfront dining, while Gastown's historic streets provide a glimpse into Vancouver's origins.

Fans looking for classic city views should head to Canada Place or take the gondola up Grouse Mountain. During summer, Kitsilano Beach and English Bay become gathering spots for locals and visitors alike, while the North Shore mountains offer easy escapes into nature just minutes from downtown.

Food scene

Vancouver's multicultural population has helped create one of North America's most diverse dining scenes. Fresh Pacific seafood features heavily on menus, particularly salmon, halibut and spot prawns during season. The city is also renowned for Asian cuisine, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese restaurants.

Visitors can explore Richmond's famous Asian food scene or browse the stalls of Granville Island Public Market. Farm-to-table dining and craft breweries are also major parts of the local culinary landscape.

Fan zones

The official FIFA Fan Festival will be held at Hastings Park's PNE grounds, where giant screens, live entertainment, cultural programming and food vendors will create a tournament atmosphere throughout the competition. Organisers expect the site to become Vancouver's main gathering point for supporters without match tickets.

Additional public viewing events and activations are planned across the city, including at popular destinations such as Granville Island.

Transportation options

Vancouver is one of North America's easiest host cities to navigate without a car. The SkyTrain network links downtown with Vancouver International Airport in around 25 minutes and provides direct access to key neighbourhoods.

BC Place is within walking distance of several stations, including Stadium-Chinatown and Yaletown-Roundhouse. Buses, SeaBus ferries and extensive cycling infrastructure provide additional options, while many of the city's main attractions can be reached on foot.

Officials are encouraging visitors to use public transport on matchdays to avoid congestion.

Stadium tips

Located in the heart of downtown, BC Place is Canada's largest World Cup venue and will accommodate around 54,000 spectators during the tournament.

Fans should arrive early, particularly for Canada's matches, and use public transport where possible. The stadium's retractable roof means matches can proceed comfortably regardless of weather conditions.

Nearby neighbourhoods including Yaletown, False Creek and Gastown offer plenty of places to eat and drink before and after games.