This Saturday, Vancouver will host its inaugural match of the FIFA World Cup 2026, featuring Australia going head-to-head with Turkey at B.C. Place.
“I’m feeling excited,” expressed Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim during an interview with The Early Edition’s Stephen Quinn on Thursday.
Here’s what you should know about viewing the match, joining in the celebrations, and navigating the city over the next six weeks.
A Socceroos supporter walks through the pedestrian zone on Granville Street in Vancouver, carrying an inflatable kangaroo ahead of Australia’s World Cup clash with Turkey. (CBC)
Transportation Tips
Organizers advise attendees to walk, bike, use mobility devices, or rely on public transportation when heading downtown for the FIFA World Cup.
Numerous road closures will be implemented in Vancouver’s downtown area over the next two months, with additional closures occurring on match days.
Granville Street has been transformed into a pedestrian-only area between Davie Street and West Georgia Street and will remain closed to vehicular traffic until late July.
During this period, buses and cars will be redirected to Howe Street and Seymour Street.
Workers at YVR crafted a message on the runway for arriving travelers to see. (YVR)
Pacific Boulevard will also be closed during the tournament, as it will serve as a pathway for spectators traveling from the SkyTrain to B.C. Place.
Attendees are encouraged to disembark the SkyTrain at the Main Street Science World station.
Vancouver is in the midst of final preparations as the city’s first World Cup match approaches. The CBC’s Michelle Gomez shares essential information for getting around.
Several other streets near the stadium will also be closed on match days, starting Saturday, including segments of Expo Boulevard, Quebec Street, Beatty Street, and Keefer Street.
For more details regarding road closures, you can check here.
TransLink has introduced two additional temporary bus routes for the tournament: one that circulates downtown and another that transports individuals between the SkyTrain and the Fan Festival at the PNE.
A significant crowd of Turkish fans gathered at Jonathan Rogers Park in Vancouver on Saturday ahead of their World Cup match against Australia. (Corentin Mittet-Magnan/Radio-Canada)
Celebrations
The official FIFA Fan Festival will take place on game days at the newly inaugurated PNE amphitheatre, featuring live broadcasts of matches on large screens. The festival will include fan activities, food stalls, and musical entertainment.
For additional information about the FIFA Fan Festival and how to access it, click here.
As the FIFA Men’s World Cup unfolds, Granville Street in Vancouver has been transformed into a vibrant soccer hub. CBC’s Troy Charles highlights that this change means fewer cars and more people enjoying patios and festivities.
The pedestrian zone on Granville Street features various installations, expanded patios, and photo opportunities, with each block showcasing a distinct theme.
The city has not indicated the presence of screens for game viewing, so fans might need to visit nearby bars and restaurants to catch the action.
An illustration from the City of Vancouver depicts the Granville pedestrian zone, set to operate until late July. (City of Vancouver)
Both Turkish and Australian supporters are expected to gather in Vancouver on Saturday to show their enthusiasm for the match.
The Consulate General of Turkey in Vancouver has announced that a fan march will commence from Jonathan Rogers Park in Mount Pleasant at 5:00 p.m. PT Saturday, concluding at the Science World SkyTrain station.
In addition, Dublin Calling, an Irish bar on Granville Street, is hosting an Australian-themed celebration featuring authentic food and music. A fan march from the bar is scheduled to begin at around 6:20 p.m. PT.
Individuals walk along the pedestrian zone on Granville Street in downtown Vancouver on Saturday, where FIFA-themed decorations and soccer exhibits have been arranged. (CBC)
Complimentary Viewing Parties
For those without game tickets, free viewing parties are being organized throughout the city.
Fans can enjoy free screenings at the official FIFA Fan Festival at the PNE. Additionally, here are other free viewing events in Metro Vancouver:
University of British Columbia
Location: Westbrook Village
Dates: June 11 and July 19
Location: The Amazing Brentwood (Plaza and TABLES Lounge)
Dates: June 11 and July 19
Location: Surrey Civic Plaza, 13450 104 Ave
Dates: June 11 and July 19
Fans watch as Canada competes against Bosnia and Herzegovina during the FIFA World Cup at Canada Soccer House in North Vancouver on Friday. (Ethan Cairns/CBC)
Location: Canada Soccer House at the Shipyards
Dates: June 11 and July 19
Location: Various sites, including Blue Mountain Park, Town Centre Park, and Percy Perry Stadium
Dates: June 24, July 1, and July 19
Latincouver is also hosting live screenings of selected games at its Latin Plaza in Gastown. Tickets are free or available by donation, but must be reserved in advance due to limited seating.
Fans kick a soccer ball around Granville Street on Saturday afternoon as World Cup celebrations enliven the city. (CBC)
‘Heat Wave’ Warning
Metro Vancouver is expected to experience what B.C. Hydro has termed a “heat wave” this weekend, lasting through Monday.
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, temperatures are projected to reach 24°C in the city on Saturday, rising to 30°C in inland areas.
On Sunday, temperatures are expected to peak at 25°C, with inland areas hitting 31°C.
Fans observe as Canada plays against Bosnia-Herzegovina during the FIFA World Cup at Canada Soccer House in North Vancouver, B.C., on Friday, June 12, 2026. (Ethan Cairns/CBC)
B.C. Hydro has cautioned that electricity demand is anticipated to soar to record levels as temperatures rise amidst increased activities associated with the World Cup, including watch parties and large crowds.
The utility company has stated it will cancel or shorten scheduled outages wherever feasible during the heat wave, and limit maintenance work from June 8 to July 19 throughout the World Cup period.