Vancouver, British Columbia, is no stranger to big events.The city in western Canada hosted the Winter Olympics in 2010, then it hosted matches — including the final — during the Women’s World Cup in 2015. BC Place figured prominently in both events, including serving as the site of the opening and closing ceremonies of the Vancouver Games.For the men’s World Cup this summer, the city’s downtown stadium will host seven matches, five in the group stage and two knockout-round games. The Canadian national team will play two of its first-round matches at BC Place.Some 3 million people live in Vancouver and the surrounding areas, so there’s plenty to do besides the soccer.
Landmarks/Places to seeStanley Park is a 1,000-acre urban park on the west end of the city filled with walking and biking trails, a scenic seawall, cafes, a public pool and the Vancouver Aquarium.Granville Public Market on Granville Island has vendors from across the region selling food items like fresh produce, seafood, chocolate and baked goods.
FIFA World Cup banners are affixed to street light poles on the Cambie Bridge in Vancouver, British Columbia, Monday, May 4, 2026. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP)
The Science World museum’s round exterior will be transformed to resemble the official World Cup ball, and inside will be a special exhibit on the science of soccer.
