The estimated cost of staging matches at BC Place Stadium during the 2026 World Cup has more than doubled over the past two years to $581 million Canadian ($422 million U.S.). An estimate in March 2022 was $260 million Canadian ($330 million U.S.) for five games but the total was increased to seven matches by FIFA.
The updated estimate factors hosting, operating, and capital requirements following FIFA site visits, increased inflation assumptions, and provincial costs such as public sector essential services. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim stated, “Sure, there’s going to be more costs and revenue, but if you stretch it over the long term, the benefits are massive, and they will more than pay for that deficit.”
The British Columbia government says the event is expected to generate enough revenue to result in a net cost of $100 million to $145 million Canadian ($73 million to $105 million U.S.). British Columbia Minister of Tourism Lana Popham said the event will draw about 350,000 fans to the province and generate more than $1 billion Canadian ($727 million U.S.) for tourism in the five years following the tournament.
“It was interesting because originally we said no, but there have been more opportunities brought to us,” she said. “FIFA has added in more revenue-generating opportunities for the province.” As much as $196 million Canadian ($142 million U.S.) has been earmarked for upgrades to BC Place. FIFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.