Sports

FIFA World Cup 2026 by the numbers: How much B.C. will spend—and earn

Love it or hate it, playing host to the FIFA Men’s World Cup next June and July is going to have a huge economic impact for Vancouver and B.C. Here are the latest scores.

By Michael McCullough /

The B.C. government projects that FIFA World Cup 2026 will attract an additional 1 million out-of-province visitors between 2026 and 2031, raising tourism spending by over $1 billion and tourism industry output by $1.7 billion. Provincial government tax revenues are expected to rise $88 million during the event and $136 million in the post-event period through 2031 as a result.

The seven matches scheduled to be held at BC Place are expected to attract 362,100 attendees. Here’s how the crowds are expected to break down:

  • 360 million viewers watch a typical World Cup opening-round game on TV or streaming.
  • Cost to the City of Vancouver, provincial government, PavCo (BC Place) and other public-sector entities (June 2025 estimate): $532 million to $624 million
  • Net cost to provincial and municipal governments: $85 million to $145 million
  • Revenue to municipal and provincial governments from taxes, fees and federal contributions: $448 million to $478 million

Sources: Government of B.C., FIFA, City of Vancouver, CBC

Michael McCullough

Michael McCullough

Michael is a financial journalist based in the Cowichan Valley. He's a former managing editor of Canadian Business and editorial director of Canada Wide Media, BCBusiness's publisher. In 2024, he co-authored Personal Finance for Canadians for Dummies, 7th Edition (Wiley, 2024).