FIFA World Cup 2026: Vancouver Hosts Seven Matches

[WarrenC12]

Originally Posted by djmk

we were told "shadows on the field for TV viewers"

on a 9pm game. lol

That's weak. Toronto game had shadows and I'm sure lots of the outdoor ones in the US do too.

[whatnext]

Originally Posted by djmk

we were told "shadows on the field for TV viewers"

on a 9pm game. lol

That's a shame. I do remember reading that FIFA requested it be close.

[twoNeurons]

I've been to the fanfest three times so far.

South Korea's Opener
Canada's Opener
Japan's Opener

Japan's opener was the only one on a weekend and it was the only one I didn't try to get into the Arch's standing room area.

That being said, the park stage area is pretty nice as well.

It's less busy than I was expecting. I was expecting PNE-level crowding but it wasn't.
The bike valet is really nice.
I imagine it will get busier once school is out.

[memememe76]

There are quite a few watch parties around the Lower Mainland, is there a reason why one would go the Hastings Park one as opposed to Surrey Central or Shipyards?

[WarrenC12]

Originally Posted by memememe76

There are quite a few watch parties around the Lower Mainland, is there a reason why one would go the Hastings Park one as opposed to Surrey Central or Shipyards?

Crowds maybe, it sounds like the PNE can accommodate more people. Granville Island was way too packed for the last Canada game.

Once again I don't understand why there aren't more screens all over, especially downtown/stadium area.

[officedweller]

There'd probably be a point when restaurants and bars will complain about diverting patrons., esp. if their BIA fees are funding the promotions.

[WarrenC12]

Originally Posted by officedweller

There'd probably be a point when restaurants and bars will complain about diverting patrons., esp. if their BIA fees are funding the promotions.

I'm less concerned about their BIA fees and more about my tax dollars.

[memememe76]

I saw a rather big screen at Jack Poole Plaza where TSN is stationed. Not too many people there, although two restaurants nearby were full.

[twoNeurons]

Originally Posted by memememe76

There are quite a few watch parties around the Lower Mainland, is there a reason why one would go the Hastings Park one as opposed to Surrey Central or Shipyards?

I'm guessing you're going to find the greatest numbers of out of town supporters at Hastings Park... as it's transit accessible.

There's also surprisingly reasonably priced concessions and alcohol there as well as bike valet and free storage lockers.
It's worth coming in for non-Canada games for sure. Canada games will have a good vibe wherever you are.

[kikin]

seeing lots of tourists downtown all day long, really enjoying the vibe they bring, we need to do more in the future to encourage tourism and make their visits safe and fun with affordable accommodations

I really like how clean the streets are even around Granville and Seymour and Robson, making jobs by having people out and about every day keeping things clean is nice and reminds me of Japan where they create jobs for people just keeping a small park and washroom clean

tourism is a natural for Vancouver's economy to take advantage of in this day and age of economic uncertainty in industry

[whatnext]

Originally Posted by twoNeurons

I'm guessing you're going to find the greatest numbers of out of town supporters at Hastings Park... as it's transit accessible.

There's also surprisingly reasonably priced concessions and alcohol there as well as bike valet and free storage lockers.
It's worth coming in for non-Canada games for sure. Canada games will have a good vibe wherever you are.

I would have thought out of town supporters would just as soon watch at more central locations like Granville Island or Jack Poole plaza if they're staying downtown.

[SpongeG]

Qatar Security has arrived. Wow.

watch this video on instagram

https://www.instagram.com/reels/DZoBWR2K1Fl/

[SpongeG]

Norad shuts airspace over Vancouver for remaining World Cup matches

Canadian Press
June 15, 2026 - 3:34pm

Military authorities say they have imposed flying restrictions on the airspace over Vancouver's inner city including BC Place Stadium during the next six FIFA World Cup games being hosted in the city.

The Canadian Armed Forces confirm that the temporary airspace restriction will be active for three hours before and after each game.

The measures are being put in place "to ensure the safety and security of the public" as Norad aircraft may be airborne during game times "to maintain a continuous aerospace control presence."

There are matches on Thursday and Sunday, then on June 24 and 27 and July 2 and 7.

Jared Williams, president of Seair Seaplanes, says they only received notification of the restrictions on Monday, and it came as a surprise considering that tour planes were flying over Vancouver during the city's first World Cup match on Saturday evening.

Williams says the company, which operates up to 20 air tours over Vancouver daily, has begun rebooking customers due to the airspace restrictions.

https://www.sportsnet.ca/fifa-world-cup/...ncouver-for-remaining-world-cup-matches/

[whatnext]

Originally Posted by SpongeG

Norad shuts airspace over Vancouver for remaining World Cup matches

Canadian Press
June 15, 2026 - 3:34pm

https://www.sportsnet.ca/fifa-world-cup/...ncouver-for-remaining-world-cup-matches/

Talk about overkill.

[officedweller]

Originally Posted by WarrenC12

Crowds maybe, it sounds like the PNE can accommodate more people. Granville Island was way too packed for the last Canada game.

Once again I don't understand why there aren't more screens all over, especially downtown/stadium area.

Came across this article as well - about the headaches of FIFA licensing:

https://gowlingwlg.com/en-ca/insights-re...IHwQlsU1-n46JvNHV977wJd0cSTZLkusJJwFSr4c

[WarrenC12]

Ahh yes, "because FIFA are a bunch of corrupt greedy pricks" is usually the answer.

[Changing City]

Originally Posted by whatnext

Talk about overkill.

I think that's what they're trying to avoid.

[SpongeG]

5-star Qatar fans hit Vancouver, courtesy of king
The Canadian Press
17 Jun 2026

Luxury hotels in downtown Vancouver are buzzing with hundreds of Qataris in town for Thursday's World Cup match with Canada. They arrived on chartered flights paid for by the fantastically wealthy nation's emir, who's also picking up their hotel tab. (June 17, 2026)

• Video Link

[SpongeG]

Also details for the Canada March thursday. The TV news yesterday warned people about game day and suggested they request working from home as they expect huge crowds downtown.

‘Just come experience it’: How fans can join the Voyageurs’ march to BC Place for Thursday’s FIFA World Cup match
By Shannon Paterson
Published: June 17, 2026

Member of the Voyageurs—Soccer Canada’s support group that organizes big, loud, colourful marches to national team matches—are flocking to Vancouver for Thursday’s FIFA World Cup game against Qatar.

Larry Zima flew in from Edmonton.

“It’s the World Cup, and where Canada goes, we go,” he said in an interview near BC Place.

Longtime Voyageur Alex Ho is in town from Ottawa.

“It feels like we have to do this, because we love the sport in this country, and we want to support it, and we’re in a good spot. We really want to build momentum going forward,” said Ho.

Jamie Macleod is originally from Vancouver, but now lives in Toronto. All three Canada superfans participated in the Voyageur march to the stadium for Toronto’s match last Friday before coming to Vancouver.

“This is 30 years in the making. Every one of these marches is 30 years in the making,” said Macleod.

The Voyageurs are meeting at Fionn McCool’s Irish Pub near Science World at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, which will be the starting point for the march down the last mile route to BC Place stadium.

“We want as many people as possible to come here. The more, the better,” said Ho.

The group says fans don’t need a ticket to the 3 p.m. match against Qatar to march with the Voyageurs. Anyone can chant, cheer and travel with the crowd until the start of BC Place security.

“If you don’t have a ticket, just come experience it. It’ll be a beautiful day on Thursday. Skip work, who cares? Come down, bring the kids, bring the family,” said Zima.

“I think it will have a lot more people than the Toronto march. I think it’s going to be bigger, there’s going to be a lot of energy and everyone wearing red, I hope. And it’s going to be a lot of fun. It should set the tone for inside the stadium,” said Macleod.

The Voyageurs will lead the crowd in boisterous chants during the march.

....

https://www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article...lace-for-thursdays-fifa-world-cup-match/

[WarrenC12]

Davies available to play for Canada today, it should be a great game.

I'm still shocked Vancouver pulled off a much better group of games than Toronto for this World Cup.