Total public cost of FIFA World Cup in Vancouver grows to up to $729 million | Daily Hive

Total government cost of hosting FIFA World Cup in Vancouver grows to up to $729 million

Natural grass installed at BC Place Stadium, as seen on May 13, 2026. (Kenneth Chan)

The estimated combined total federal, provincial, and municipal cost of hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Vancouver has seen an increase in its potential range, according to an update provided by the Government of British Columbia today.

During the last update issued in June 2025, the estimated cost range was between $532 million and $624 million, which was also an increase from the previous estimates. At the time, this included a 25 per cent contingency fund or up to an extra $145 million for inflation and any other unexpected costs.

Today, with only about two weeks before the start of the five-week-long tournament, which effectively gives the figures greater confidence, the total cost range has increased to between $685 million and $729 million, which reflects the finalization of the plans for transportation, the FIFA Fan Festival at Hastings Park, and updated security and safety plans, which also reflect changes to the global geopolitical environment. This updated cost figure also includes a reduced contingency fund of up to $80 million.

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Leading the increase are the costs incurred by the provincial government and other provincial public sector entities — rising from between $54 million and $64 million in June 2025 to between $120 million and $132 million today. This covers provincial essential services required to support the tournament, as well as the $18-million payment to the three host First Nations — $6 million each to Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh nations — which was first publicly confirmed in late 2025.

Other investments contributing to the provincial cost increase include $13 million for tourism and economic development initiatives to catalyze and maximize the FIFA World Cup’s long-term benefits, along with $10 million for the Mini Peaks initiative of creating 20 soccer mini pitches across B.C. and nearly $2 million to support unofficial FIFA World Cup celebrations and live match screening events in 33 communities across the province.

The City of Vancouver’s portion of the costs have also seen some cost creep compared to almost a year ago. In June 2025, the municipal government’s costs were pegged at between $261 million and $281 million, but as of today, the range has now risen to between $320 million and $338 million. It should be emphasized that a significant majority of the City’s costs are not covered directly by residents and businesses, but through the temporary FIFA World Cup hotel tax between 2023 and 2030.

The City is responsible for integrated security and public safety at the official venue locations and the provision of training sites, the FIFA Fan Festival, traffic management, brand management, and other costs.

TransLink and other public sector entities, including health services, are now estimated to see their costs rise to a range of between $67 million and $74 million — up from between $54 million and $64 million in June 2025. Much of this will support increased public transit service levels serving Downtown Vancouver and the FIFA Fan Festival.

The combined total capital (construction) costs for improving BC Place Stadium and operational costs leading up to and during the tournament have remained roughly the same, with only a slight increase. These specific costs have increased to between $178 million and $185 million, which is up from the June 2025 estimate of between $171 million and $181 million.

The total costs for security and public safety are estimated at about $242 million.

“British Columbia is ready to welcome athletes and thousands of spectators from around the world for the largest single sporting event on the planet,” said Nina Krieger, B.C. minister of public safety and solicitor general.

“We’ve made the necessary investments and preparations to ensure a safe and secure experience for everyone attending and participating. I want to thank the City of Vancouver, federal government, Vancouver Police Department, the RCMP and other police agencies for their dedication, partnership and strong collaboration to ensure the necessary safety and security requirements are met.”

Cost increases partly offset by higher revenues and contributions

While the expenditures are seeing an upward pressure, the provincial government also emphasized that total revenues, recoveries, and contributions have increased from between $448 million and $478 million in June 2025 to between $595 million and $615 million as of today.

Much of this reflects the Government of Canada’s recent commitment to provide $100 million towards supporting the security and public safety costs in Vancouver. As well, the federal government is also providing $116 million to support the capital and operating costs of the tournament.

Since early 2023, a temporary FIFA World Cup has been put in place as an added 2.5 per cent sales tax for overnight stays at hotel properties within Vancouver’s jurisdiction. This tax, paid by visitors to Vancouver, will run through early 2030 for an expected total term of seven years, with the estimated tax revenue range unchanged at between $250 million and $260 million. All of this revenue is being provided to the City.

As well, the municipal government is also expected to see $43 million and $53 million in other revenues to help offset the total City costs, which include venue rental fees, the host city commercial program, FIFA Fan Festival revenue, and other sources. However, with two weeks before the start of the tournament and a five-week-long fan festival, it appears that some of the free fan festival’s largest revenue opportunities — optional premium tickets for live match screenings and concerts held at the new amphitheatre — are significantly underperforming.

There are also other unspecified revenues from transportation and stadium rental fees and recoveries totalling $86 million.

Net costs are $31 million lower than previous high-end estimates

Altogether, for the highest scenario, when costs are compared with revenues, this means the net costs of hosting the tournament in Vancouver have fallen by up to $31 million compared to the June 2025 estimates, when the net costs of the highest scenario reached up to $145 million.

“Hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 is an incredible opportunity to welcome the world, while supporting local businesses, creating jobs and delivering lasting benefits for B.C.’s economy,” said Anne Kang, B.C. minister of tourism, arts, culture, and sport, in a statement today.

“Thanks to careful planning, disciplined financial management and participation from our partners, the Province’s projected overall net provincial costs of hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 matches have been reduced by $31 million compared to 2025 estimates.”

The provincial government maintains that hosting the FIFA World Cup will generate significant economic and tourism benefits, both during the tournament and for years afterward.

It projects that approximately 350,000 spectators will attend the seven matches at BC Place, while the tournament and its legacy are expected to attract about one million additional out-of-province visitors to British Columbia over the course of the event and the following five years. The government also estimates the event will contribute approximately $1 billion to provincial GDP and generate more than $200 million in direct, indirect, and induced provincial tax revenues.

“Hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Vancouver is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase British Columbia to the world, while delivering lasting economic benefits at home,” said Ravi Kahlon, B.C minister of jobs and economic growth.

“Through our Look West strategy, we’re using this global attention to attract investment, grow our economy and position B.C. as a top destination for business and investment.”

The tournament kicks off in Mexico City on June 11. The first FIFA World Cup match on Canadian soil will be played in Toronto on June 12, while the first of seven matches hosted by Vancouver is scheduled for June 13.

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