Vancouver, June 17: Vancouver will become a World Cup city in just a few years’ time, officials announced Thursday.
FIFA will bring the men’s soccer tournament to Vancouver in 2026. It’ll be the first time ever that the World Cup is held across three countries: Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The latter countries have hosted before, but this is the first time the men’s tournament will be played in Canada.
It’s also the largest World Cup to date, featuring 48 teams in 80 matches.
The other western host cities announced by FIFA from New York Thursday afternoon are Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Guadalajara.
Toronto was the only other Canadian city chosen, though Edmonton had also submitted a bid.
In the central region, the following cities were selected: Kansas City, Dallas, Atlanta, Houston, Monterrey and Mexico City.
In the east, in addition to Toronto, Boston, Philadelphia, Miami and New York-New Jersey will host.
Each city announced had a brief endorsement from a celebrity, and in Vancouver, that soccer fan was Michael Bublé.
In a recorded message, the Burnaby-born crooner said the city is “thrilled” to welcome the World Cup.
“It is a massive opportunity and I’m very sure that we’re going to impress soccer fans and soccer players from all over this beautiful planet. Can’t wait to see you,” he said.
boost the city’s tourism sector, which took a hit when travel was brought to a halt to limit the spread of COVID-19.
In a statement released after the announcement was made, the province called the games will be a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to support tourism-related businesses and to “put the global spotlight on British Columbia and inspire the next generation of players.”
A brief post on social media from the City of Vancouver used the same language.
Officials in B.C. estimated that hosting the World Cup will bring in more than $1 billion, in new revenue for the tourism sector as people travel to the province to watch the matches and over the years that follow.
Vancouver was one of three Canadian cities in the running, joining Toronto and Edmonton as potential hosts.
Twenty-two cities in total submitted bids to host the tournament.
Speaking ahead of the announcement, TSN soccer commentator Blake Price said he thought Vancouver and Toronto had a good chance, but he wasn’t sure about Edmonton.
