March 31, 2026
People throughout B.C. will have more opportunities to experience the FIFA World Cup in their own communities.
“We are proud to help bring the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to communities throughout B.C.,” said Premier David Eby. “Hosting this tournament is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. It’s something that everyone will remember, especially the thousands of kids in B.C. who look up to these incredible athletes. It’s about sharing the love of sport, and the excitement, energy and pride in hosting the largest single-sport event in the world.”
The 2026 Community Event Support Fund will provide $1.7 million in one-time funding to 32 municipalities, regional districts and First Nations to host free public events to ensure British Columbians throughout the province can participate in FIFA World Cup festivities.
“Hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 is an incredible opportunity for people in British Columbia to come together and celebrate the beautiful game,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “We want people to feel the excitement of the world’s largest single-sport event throughout the province. This is about ensuring everyone can share in the energy and social benefits of the FIFA World Cup right in their own backyard.”
2026 Community Event Support Fund
This funding supports the planning, promotion and safe delivery of soccer-themed events that foster community pride and cultural expression, benefit local businesses and help attract visitors to regions throughout the province during the tournament.
The community events range from single-day soccer-themed community gatherings to large, multi-day live public match viewing events. Funding can be used to cover a range of operational expenses, such as local performers, security, viewing screens, signage and communications.
As part of the Province’s Look West: Tourism Sector Action Plan, the 2026 Community Event Support Fund leverages the global profile and excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026. By creating engaging, locally driven celebrations around one of the world’s most-watched sporting events, government is boosting tourism, showcasing cultural diversity and supporting a resilient year-round economy.
Some of the grant recipients include:
- Haida Gwaii to host celebration events in Daajing Gilds, Masset, Old Masset and Skidegate
- Delta to host events throughout tournament time at North Delta Recreation Centre and the Chisholm Wharf
- 2026 Alberni Valley Indigenous-Led Soccer Community Celebration, hosted in partnership by the Hupacaseth, Tseshaht and Huu-ay-aht First Nations
- Prince George to host Watch Party in the Plaza for the final match of the FIFA World Cup
- Central Coast Regional District for a series of community-based FIFA World Cup celebration events across multiple sites from June 18 until July 19
- Comox Valley to host a public viewing of Canada’s opening match on June 12 along with live local music and cultural performances
- Coquitlam to host live public match viewings rotating across three outdoor locations, plus an extensive community block-party grant program
- Langford to host a month-long celebration stretching through Langford’s cultural district with several days of live public match viewings
