The estimated cost to host seven FIFA World Cup matches in Vancouver next year could reach $624 million, a figure that the B.C. government describes as “on track and on budget.”
The updated cost range to host the soccer matches at B.C. Place in Vancouver in 2026 is estimated to be between $532 million and $624 million, according to the province’s cost, revenue, and economic benefit estimates update document released on June 24.
The province expects that $448 million to $478 million in gross costs will be offset by estimated revenues and recoveries, which it says is higher than what was previously estimated in 2024 and does not include potential additional provincial tax revenues.
The updated total net cost to plan, stage, and host the seven FIFA World Cup matches in Vancouver will be between $85 million and $145 million, the province estimates, adding that this range is similar to last year’s estimate.
The estimated costs for the City of Vancouver are between $261 million and $281 million. Public service providers that are required for the event, such as public transportation, ambulance, and other health services, are expected to cost the city between $54 million and $64 million, which brings the city’s total estimated costs to between $315 million and $345 million.
The city’s estimated costs include integrated public safety and security, provision of team training sites, public viewing events, brand protection traffic and stadium zone management, as well as other required municipal, regional, and provincial public services.
“The City of Vancouver’s direct costs, including security, transportation, the FIFA Fan Festival and upcoming milestones remain on track, with no major changes from 2024’s budget projections,” Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said in a statement. “We remain committed to managing costs responsibly while maximizing the long-term benefits for our community.”
The province expects Vancouver’s costs to be offset by $250 million to $260 million in tax revenues, and an additional $52 million to $60 million made up of commercial revenues, facility rental fees, and the city’s direct contribution of $5 million.
Various factors outside of the city’s control could impact the final cost, the province said, noting that the event is still one year away.
In preparation for the event, the Killarney Park training site is being upgraded and renovated, and the city is planning for the FIFA Fan Festival, among other activities. B.C Place stadium, where the matches will be held, is also being renovated and upgraded to make the stadium more accessible, modern, and competitive, the province says.
Toronto
The City of Toronto will host six FIFA World Cup matches next year, however last month Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said funding for the event may need to be scaled back as discussions on funding between the city and the Ontario government continue.The city estimated in 2024 it would cost $380 million to host the tournament and Ottawa agreed to contribute $104 million toward the cost. The province agreed to commit $97 million, while the city would be responsible for the remaining funding of approximately $178 million.
However, a May 20 report from Toronto’s World Cup Secretariat to city council suggested that event expenses associated with providing public transport, law enforcement, and health-care services, among other areas, had increased to nearly $40 million, meaning a significant amount of the province’s promised contribution would be eaten up by these costs.
Toronto is unable to cover any expenses beyond the originally allotted $178 million, Chow said in a May 21 press conference. Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy said the province will support Toronto in hosting the World Cup, but it will not increase its share of the funding either.
“So we will have to either find $40 million somewhere, I’m not sure where, or we will have to cut the budget by $40 million,” Chow said. “There’s no other way.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford was asked at an unrelated June 17 press conference if he would be open to changes in the province’s deal with the city. Ford said that he will review and discuss the funding situation with Chow to “come up with a solution,” noting that he understands the mayor “needs more cash” for the event.
Chow responded that the city and the province are negotiating and “looking at the costs,” adding that security services take up approximately 30 percent of the budget.
