The attention of the world is about to turn to Russia, where the 2018 FIFA World Cup kicks off on Thursday.
That includes Canada, despite the fact that our country has not qualified for the global tournament since 1986 (not the men’s version, anyway).
A country of immigrants, it won’t be hard for most people to wrap their arms around the flag of another country for the next month. For many, it’s an opportunity to identify with their heritage – the place of birth of themselves, their parents, or grandparents. For others, it’s a chance to pretend they’re Brazilian.
Whether you’re a diehard soccer fan looking to upgrade your look or a casual fan wishing to look the part, here are eight stores in Greater Vancouver to get outfitted with the latest World Cup merchandise.
See also
- What every country will be wearing at the 2018 FIFA World Cup (PHOTOS)
- Where to watch your country's team in Vancouver during World Cup
- EA Sports simulator predicts outcome of 2018 FIFA World Cup
- Here's what time the FIFA World Cup will be on in Canada this year
Soccerwest (Various locations)
With locations in Vancouver, Delta, White Rock, Langley, and Abbotsford, Soccerwest is a specialty store that has the Lower Mainland covered.
Address: 75 West Broadway, Vancouver
Phone: 604-630-0424
Vancity Sports (Vancouver)
This longtime sports store located in Downtown Vancouver always seems to have its finger on the pulse of the city. That’s no different during the World Cup, where they have a variety of jerseys from various countries for sale.
Address: 646 Seymour Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-336-4603
Granville Sports (Vancouver)
What Granville Sports loses in size, it makes up in style.
Address: 925 Granville Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-681-0511
North American Sports (Vancouver)
If you’re a fan of one of the smaller countries in the World Cup like Peru, a trip to a specialty soccer shop like North American Sports might be the way to go.
Address: 3695 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-299-1721
Macey’s Sports (North Vancouver)
With no shortage of soccer merchandise – jerseys, t-shirts, scarves, hats – Macey’s Sports is a go-to place for World Cup gear on the North Shore.
Address: 180-400 Brooksbank Avenue, North Vancouver
Phone: 604-980-1480
Sportstown Soccer Shop (Richmond)
Sportstown Soccer Shop is a place where you’ll find World Cup jerseys as well as cool team t-shirts, and just about anything else you’d ever want. They’ve even got car flags.
Address: 120-11700 Steveston Highway, Richmond
Phone: 604-285-7002
Soccer Express (Coquitlam)
A large specialty store, Soccer Express is a go-to spot for just about anything to do with the beautiful game in the Tri-Cities area.
Address: 10-75 Blue Mountain Street, Coquitlam
Phone: 604-524-1976
Sport Chek (Various locations)
With 14 locations across Greater Vancouver, Sport Chek is the biggest sports store in the city, and is selling all kinds of World Cup merchandise. You’ll be able to find jerseys from the most popular teams here.
The flagship store on Robson Street is your best bet for selection.
Address: 788 Robson Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-687-7668