BC Place World Cup 2026: Schedule, History, Facts, Travel Tips
Vancouver prepares to welcome the FIFA World Cup in 2026 as one of Canada’s host cities. BC Place will stage seven matches during the tournament, adding a West Coast showcase to the global event co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Located in downtown Vancouver near False Creek, BC Place sits within walking distance of many hotels, restaurants, and attractions. During the World Cup, the stadium will officially be referred to as BC Place Vancouver to comply with FIFA naming regulations.
Canada will play two important group-stage matches at this venue, facing Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24. Vancouver also hosts a Round of 16 knockout match on July 7, keeping the city involved deep into the tournament.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule at BC Place
BC Place will host seven total matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Five matches take place in the group stage, followed by two knockout-round fixtures.
| Date | Group | Match | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, June 13 | Group D | Australia vs UEFA Playoff C Winner | 12:00 AM |
| Thursday, June 18 | Group B | Canada vs Qatar | 6:00 PM |
| Sunday, June 21 | Group G | New Zealand vs Egypt | 9:00 PM |
| Wednesday, June 24 | Group B | Switzerland vs Canada | 3:00 PM |
| Friday, June 26 | Group G | New Zealand vs Belgium | 11:00 PM |
| Thursday, July 2 | Round of 32 | Group B Winner vs 3rd Place Team | 11:00 PM |
| Tuesday, July 7 | Round of 16 | Winner Match 85 vs Winner Match 87 | 4:00 PM |
The midnight Eastern Time opener translates to a 9:00 PM local kickoff in Vancouver, making it convenient for fans attending in person.
Canada’s two group matches are especially significant. The June 18 match against Qatar offers a prime evening kickoff, while the June 24 clash with Switzerland could determine advancement from Group B.
New Zealand appears twice at BC Place in Group G, facing Egypt and Belgium in late-evening fixtures. Vancouver’s World Cup schedule concludes on July 7 with a Round of 16 match.
Interesting Facts and Stadium History
BC Place officially opened on June 19, 1983. The stadium was constructed for Expo 86, the 1986 World’s Fair, at a cost of $126 million CAD.
The first event took place on June 20, 1983, when the Vancouver Whitecaps faced the Seattle Sounders in front of 60,342 fans, launching the stadium’s long sporting history.
Stadium Quick Facts
- Opened: 1983
- Construction Cost: $126 million CAD
- Capacity: 54,500
- Address: 777 Pacific Boulevard
- Home Teams: Vancouver Whitecaps FC, BC Lions
- Owner: Province of British Columbia
- Roof: Retractable cable-supported system
BC Place originally featured the world’s largest air-supported dome. This inflatable roof remained in place for 27 years before being replaced.
Between 2010 and 2011, the stadium underwent a major renovation. The old dome was replaced with a retractable cable-supported roof capable of opening or closing in approximately 20 minutes. The renovation cost $514 million CAD.
When fully open, the roof spans 100 meters by 85 meters, making it the largest retractable cable-supported roof in the world.
The renovation also introduced a massive center-hung video board, one of the largest in North America. BC Place officially reopened on September 30, 2011, becoming a flexible venue for soccer and Canadian football.
Major Events Hosted at BC Place
- Expo 86 opening and closing ceremonies
- 2010 Winter Olympics opening and closing ceremonies
- 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup Final
- Annual Canada Sevens rugby tournament
- Multiple Grey Cup championships
- 2014 NHL Heritage Classic
BC Place has welcomed global figures including Pope John Paul II and hosted record-setting events such as Ed Sheeran’s 2023 concert with more than 65,000 attendees.
World Cup Upgrades
BC Place is undergoing targeted upgrades to meet FIFA World Cup requirements. The Province of British Columbia plans to invest between $149 million and $196 million in stadium improvements and tournament operations.
Natural grass will be installed for the tournament, sourced from farms in the Fraser Valley. Accessibility upgrades include new elevators and additional restrooms, including gender-neutral facilities.
Team locker rooms will be fully renovated, broadcast facilities upgraded, and stadium-wide Wi-Fi enhanced. The central video scoreboard will also be replaced.
Three new premium hospitality areas will open: the Field Club, Edgewater Lounge, and Corner Club. All work is scheduled for completion by June 30, 2025.
Travel Tips for Visiting Fans
Vancouver offers excellent public transportation and walkability, making BC Place easy to reach for World Cup visitors.
Getting to Vancouver
Vancouver International Airport serves as the primary gateway, with direct flights from Asia, Europe, and North America. The airport is approximately 25 minutes from downtown Vancouver.
The SkyTrain Canada Line connects the airport to downtown, offering frequent service at an affordable cost.
Reaching BC Place
BC Place is located in downtown Vancouver and is accessible via multiple transit options.
Best Ways to Get There
- SkyTrain Expo Line to Stadium–Chinatown Station (2-minute walk)
- SkyTrain Canada Line to Yaletown–Roundhouse Station (10-minute walk)
- Walking from downtown hotels (10–30 minutes)
- Bus routes 17, 19, or N8
- Uber or Lyft (expect higher prices on match days)
Walking is often the fastest and most enjoyable option.
Where to Stay
Vancouver offers approximately 13,000 hotel rooms, though demand will be high with more than 350,000 visitors expected during the World Cup.
Best Neighborhoods
- Downtown Vancouver: Walking distance to the stadium
- Yaletown: Trendy area near BC Place
- Gastown: Historic district with nightlife
- Coal Harbour: Waterfront luxury hotels
- Richmond: Near the airport with more affordable options
- Burnaby: Suburban stays with SkyTrain access
Hotel prices typically range from $80–200 CAD for budget accommodations, $250–400 CAD for mid-range hotels, and $350–700+ CAD for luxury properties.
Fan Festival
Vancouver’s official FIFA Fan Festival will be held at Hastings Park, featuring a new 10,000-seat amphitheatre opening in 2026.
Festival Features
- Free admission
- Large screens showing all matches
- Live music and cultural performances
- International food vendors
- Convenient transit access
The festival runs from June 11 through July 19, allowing fans without match tickets to enjoy every game.
Local Tips
Weather: June and July temperatures typically range from 18–23°C (64–73°F). Pack layers and a light rain jacket.
Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit cards are widely accepted.
Tipping: 15–20% at restaurants and 10–15% for taxis and rideshares.
Top Attractions
- Stanley Park
- Granville Island Market
- Capilano Suspension Bridge
- Gastown Steam Clock
- Canada Place
- Vancouver Lookout
Day Trips: Whistler and Victoria are popular options, with the Sea-to-Sky Highway offering scenic views.
Match Days: Arrive at the stadium at least 2–3 hours before kickoff and walk when possible to avoid congestion.
BC Place Contact Information
Address: 777 Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6B 4Y8, Canada Phone: (604) 669-2300 Event Hours Text Line: (778) 873-3267 Website: www.bcplace.com Email: stadium@bcpavco.com Accessibility: accessibility@bcpavco.com Seating Charts: www.bcplace.com/the-stadium/stadium-map
Economic Impact
Hosting the World Cup brings substantial economic and long-term benefits alongside upfront costs.
Cost Overview
- Stadium upgrades and operations: $149–196 million
- Total hosting costs: $483–581 million
- Provincial net cost: $100–145 million
- City contribution: $230 million (funded through hotel tax)
FIFA estimates the tournament will generate $3.8 billion across Canada, with Vancouver welcoming more than 350,000 visitors.
Job creation spans construction, tourism, hospitality, security, and event operations. Transit improvements and public space upgrades will continue benefiting the city after 2026.
What Makes BC Place Special
BC Place’s retractable roof sets it apart, offering flexibility and breathtaking views of Vancouver’s skyline and mountains. The downtown location allows fans to walk from hotels, restaurants, and waterfront attractions.
Surrounded by mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver blends natural beauty with urban excitement. The city’s diversity ensures passionate support for every team.
BC Place has already proven its ability to host global events, from the 2010 Winter Olympics to the 2015 Women’s World Cup Final. Advanced technology, a massive video board, and extensive Wi-Fi deliver a world-class fan experience.
BC Place is ready for June 2026, hosting seven World Cup matches that showcase elite soccer on Canada’s West Coast in a setting few venues can match.
