TransLink scores with a fleet of seven FIFA World Cup soccer-ball buses | Daily Hive

"SoccerBuses" for the FIFA World Cup. (TransLink)

In recent weeks and days, Metro Vancouver public transit riders — especially within Vancouver — have increasingly noticed the rollout of official 2026 FIFA World Cup branding and wayfinding at select SkyTrain stations and bus exchanges.

And now, TransLink has added a whimsical touch in its embrace of the spirit of the tournament by turning seven buses into a fleet of “SoccerBuses” — complete with a soccer ball installation for the front of the bus.

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The soccer ball installation at the front of these buses appears to repurposed nose fixtures from the public transit authority’s annual “Reindeer Bus” tradition during the Christmas season.

These buses will also feature a TransLink soccer-inspired exterior livery wrap — not to be confused for the official FIFA branding found elsewhere on the public transit system, near the venues, and at notable sites and some public spaces in Vancouver.

TransLink notes that the SoccerBuses will operate on rotating bus routes across Metro Vancouver to provide riders with the opportunity to see and ride one of the special vehicles.

As well, one of the two-car Mark II SkyTrain cars operating on the Millennium Line has received the TransLink soccer-inspired exterior livery wrap.

“SoccerBuses” for the FIFA World Cup. (TransLink)

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A TranLink-soccer themed Mark II SkyTrain vehicle for the FIFA World Cup. (TransLink)

The public transit authority also previously announced that Canadian soccer legend Christine Sinclair will serve as a “guest voice” on the system throughout the five-week tournament period, lending her voice for pre-recorded automatic voice announcements on SkyTrain, buses, SeaBus, and the West Coast Express — guiding passengers to key destinations. On select dates at some public transit hubs, TransLink will also host special performers by musicians, buskers, and dancers, including hip-hop dancer and Olympic gold medalist Phil Wizard.

Beyond the fan spirit engagement initiatives, beginning early next week, TransLink will begin to shift into its FIFA World Cup operations plan of providing greatly enhanced services to reach BC Place Stadium in Downtown Vancouver and the FIFA World Cup Fan Festival at the PNE fairgrounds in Hastings Park.

This includes not only increased service for SkyTrain, buses, SeaBus, and West Coast Express, but also prolonged bus route detours due to road closure and several new temporary bus services to better accommodate the expected surge in unique ridership demand.

It will launch the temporary No. 11 FIFA Fan Festival Express bus route along Renfrew Renfrew Street between the Expo Line’ 29th Avenue Station and the PNE’s Pacific Coliseum entrance, with a key connection stop at Renfrew Station on the Millennium Line and runnig every five minutes. As well, TransLink is launching the temporary No. 1 Downtown Vancouver South Circulator bus route, which will making a looping route within the Downtown Vancouver peninsula.

For the seven matches held at BC Place Stadium, spectators are required to arrive to the venue using the designated “Last Mile” pedestrian route along Pacific Boulevard/Quebec Street from SkyTrain’s Main Street-Science World Station to the security screening area at Carrall Street. Stadium-Chinatown Station will not be the usual direct, shortest route to the stadium from SkyTrain during the tournament, but it will remain open for local access and service.

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TransLink bus services to reach the FIFA Fan Festival at the PNE in Hastings Park. (TransLink)

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No. 11 FIFA Fan Festival Express bus stop signage at SkyTrain’s Renfrew Station. (Kenneth Chan)

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SkyTrain’s YVR Airport Station; FIFA World Cup Vancouver decorations, as seen on May 11, 2026. (Kenneth Chan)

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FIFA World Cup wayfinding installations at SkyTrain’s Main Street-Science World Station, as seen on May 19, 2026. (Kenneth Chan)

SkyTrain’s 29th Avenue Station; FIFA World Cup Vancouver decorations, as seen on May 12, 2026. (Kenny Ho)

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