Vancouver BACK as 2026 FIFA World Cup host city candidate, FIFA announces

Vancouver's BC Place Stadium has joined Toronto's BMO Field and Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium as host city candidates for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with FIFA announcing Thursday the updated entry following a formal application by the Province of British Columbia and the City of Vancouver.

A recent inspection by a FIFA delegation has also been observed ahead of agreement to accept the city's candidacy, with Vancouver now back in the mix to host a World Cup for the first time since 2015, when the city was home to the FIFA Women's World Cup.

While negotiations started to take place in the latter half of 2021, the “Candidate Host City” classification brings Vancouver into the formal process of being seriously considered as one of a total of 16 host cities for the 2026 World Cup in 2026. 

“I am encouraged that FIFA has confirmed Vancouver, British Columbia, as a candidate host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The FIFA World Cup is the largest single sporting event in the world,” said Melanie Mark, the BC Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport in a release.

“Hosting the event would be a once-in-a-generation opportunity for soccer fans, for our tourism sector and for all British Columbians … The stars are aligning for Canada Soccer, British Columbia and Vancouver. It’s time we showcase beautiful BC once again.”

Got confirmation from BC Place that they *will* be installing a grass pitch if Vancouver wins its #2026WorldCup bid. Waiting to hear if that is a permanent or temporary structure. #CanMNT

— J.J. Adams (@TheRealJJAdams) April 14, 2022