My favourite moments from the opening FIFA World Cup 2026 match in Vancouver
Vancouver is in full FIFA mode right now, and the city feels electric.
I was lucky enough to attend the Australia vs Türkiye match at Vancouver Stadium on June 13, and decided to do it properly, turning it into a full day of following the FIFA energy — from my morning coffee to kickoff to post-match fun.
Whether you’re a BC local or travelling in from afar, staying with Airbnb — the Official Alternative Accommodation and Experiences Booking Platform for FIFA — puts you right in the middle of it all, immersed in the kind of vibrant, local neighbourhoods where the buzz of the tournament never really stops.
If you’re visiting Vancouver this June or July, here are my favourite moments from the city’s opening FIFA World Cup 2026 match. Consider this your unofficial itinerary!
Buzz in the streets
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I started my day by grabbing a coffee at 49th Parallel in my neighbourhood, Mount Pleasant, and it was impossible not to notice the buzz the second I stepped out. Jerseys were everywhere, with bars and patios already filling up with fans from all over the world.
I made my way to FIFA Fan Fest at Hastings Park, just to check it out and soak up the vibes. All the games are live-streamed on massive screens, and entry is free. The only exception is PNE Amphitheatre, which has a mix of paid tickets and free entry.
There are countless food trucks serving up just about everything you could crave — from sweet treats at the famous Lee’s Donuts to classic comfort eats at REEL Mac and Cheese. With cuisines ranging from Japanese and Colombian to Greek and Mexican, there’s no shortage of delicious options to fuel up with before pre-match.
You can also browse the merch store, and play some games like soccer skee ball or under the table soccer, snap some pictures at selfie stations, and lots more.
Pro tip: If you’re coming to the city, choosing an Airbnb near downtown or with easy transit to downtown, Vancouver Stadium (otherwise known as BC Place throughout the rest of the year), or areas like Hastings Park is a perfect option.
Arriving at the stadium
Fans were in high spirits (Katy Brennan/Daily Hive)
As I made my way to the match around 8 p.m., the anticipation really started to build. Getting there is easy — you can hop on a Lime scooter, take the seabus to Waterfront Station, or get the SkyTrain to Main Street–Science World on the Expo Line.
I decided to walk along the waterfront from Mount Pleasant (which is about a 30 minute walk), and honestly this is probably the best way to get there if you can do it.
The crowds got denser the closer I got, and I could hear the distant roars from the stadium as Science World, aka a giant FIFA soccer ball, hovered over the water and pointed everyone in the right direction.
As I made it through security, grabbed a beer at one of the concession stands, and found my seat amongst a sold-out crowd, I knew I was in for a fun evening.
The actual game
Moments before kick off! (Katy Brennan/Daily Hive)
Türkiye were favourite to win the match, and there seemed to be a sea of red jerseys taking up the majority of seats in BC Place. But I decided to wear green and gold and cheer on Australia’s Socceroos.
In the 27th minute, Nestory Irankunda scored the first goal for Australia, sending supporters into a frenzy.
The next nailbiting moment came in the second half, when Aussie fans held their breath as Türkiye had a free kick, but Australia managed to keep it out and keep the lead.
I was on the edge of my seat! As someone who’s not a huge fan of soccer, it just goes to show you don’t need to know everything about the sport or the teams to have an incredible time.
Australia takes the win
The whistle blows and the Socceroos win (Katy Brennan/Daily Hive)
Australia’s second goal came in the 75th minute, thanks to Connor Metcalfe, solidifying the team’s win and giving Türkiye no real chance to turn things around.
Australian supporters once again erupted as the whistle blew as they took out Türkiye 2-0. It was a cacophony of cheering. laughing, and maybe even some crying as fans hugged, jumped up and down, and waved their flags high. Aussie, Aussie, Aussie! Oi, Oi, Oi!
After the match
Granville St. (Katy Brennan/Daily Hive)
The fun doesn’t stop after the match. Fans keep the vibes high by heading out to enjoy Vancouver’s bars and clubs. And, as you can imagine, in a city with a high number of young Australian expats, this particular night was one to remember.
Granville St. is where the energy peaks. Five blocks have been transformed into a pedestrian-only fan zone. During the day, you can watch the games with outdoor screens, DJs and live music, games, you name it. The energy is unmatched.
At night, it gets crowded and pretty wild with lots of FIFA fans celebrating, but if you’re looking to explore Vancouver’s nightlife while you’re in town, this is the place to be. Check out Good Co., Donnellan’s Irish Pub, and Shamrock Storehouse.
After a long day (and night), you’ll want to head back to your Airbnb to get a good rest and prepare for more FIFA action tomorrow!
Exploring Vancouver
While you’re in town, you’ll want to take a mini-break from soccer action and take in the beautiful city that is Vancouver. As a local, my top recommendations for visitors include walking the Stanley Park seawall, taking in the huge food scene, lounging on some of the local beaches like Kits Beach or Jericho Beach, or taking a trip out of the city to spots like Lynn Canyon Park and Capilano Suspension Bridge.
When we look at the FIFA World Cup, we see a global event that very literally brings people and cultures together – and Airbnb wants to help to make that happen. Fans will step out of their own corner of the world and be welcomed into someone else’s.
So, explore the Vancouver stays and experiences available via the Airbnb app or website and get pumped for your trip to the city during this unforgettable time in soccer history.
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