Vancouver’s Hosting Costs for 2026 FIFA World Cup Could Double, Potentially Reaching $581M
Organizers of the seven FIFA World Cup soccer matches coming to Vancouver in 2026 say the estimated cost of hosting the event has more than doubled in the last two years.
The latest estimates put the price tag at between $483 million and $581 million, including costs for the city, the province, and stadium upgrades.
However, the B.C. government says the event is expected to generate enough revenue to result in a net cost of between $100 million and $145 million.
Minister of Tourism Lana Popham said Apr. 30 the event will bring about 350,000 fans to the province and generate more than a billion dollars for tourism in the five years following the games.
Documents say the fresh numbers include updated hosting, operating, and capital requirements following FIFA site visits, increased inflation assumptions, and provincial costs, such as public sector essential services.
The original cost estimate of $260 million released in March 2022 was for five matches and was before Vancouver was chosen as a host.
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An updated figure, released by the B.C. government at the end of January 2023, put the cost of hosting five matches in Vancouver at $230 million without including stadium improvements, and since then FIFA has added two more games.
Ms. Popham said the initial estimate was before officials had a full understanding of the requirements to host, which include the need for training sites and fan festivals.
“It was interesting because obviously we originally said no, but there’s been more opportunities that have been brought to us. FIFA has added in more revenue generating opportunities for the province,” she said.
