Vancouverites react to decision to pull out of 2026 FIFA World Cup

What looked to be a promising shot of hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has since deteriorated after BC’s Minister of Tourism revealed that the province has pulled out of the North American bid.

Even after the Government of Canada vouched to spend up to $5 million for a successful bid, premier John Horgan explained that nobody was willing to write a “blank cheque.”

With arousing suspicion behind the recent events, and a Vancouver market with a fast-growing soccer fanbase, there’s a world of ruckus and backlash amongst the fans.

Embarrassing for BC if we aren’t a part of the World Cup. Best venue in the country and a proven track record of great event hosting. Has to happen. Has to.

— Brendan Batchelor (@BatchHockey) March 14, 2018

WORLD CUP: You just simply don’t turn down an opportunity to host something of this magnitude. I understand the ‘blank cheque’ stance politically, but if you want to market city to the world, few ways are better than stage like this one. Chance to bring major $ into city as well.

— Rob Fai (@RobFaiNation) March 14, 2018

Why did we renovate BC place with taxpayers money in order to not use for attracting world class events that provide economic growth?

— Satiar Shah (@SatiarShah) March 14, 2018

#NDP is pile of steaming horseshit too good job #WorldCup2026

— Dave Wright (@Davewright28) March 14, 2018

Today’s lesson in Luddite Economics – How to avoid economic growth factors via incompetence and partisan bias – authored by @jjhorgan #Worldcup2026 #BCPoli

— anoop randhawa (@anoop_ran) March 14, 2018

How unbelievably pathetic that it looks like Vancouver is taking itself out of the running to host #WorldCup2026 matches.#WinterOlympics ok, but not the worlds biggest sporting event? Genius.

— NelsonYouthSoccerCoach (@RNSkipper) March 14, 2018

It’s a shame that the funless #BCNDP would back out of supporting an opportunity to host World Cup matches in Vancouver. The evidence suggests overwhelmingly that it can be done successfully. #bcpoli

— Mike Corbin 🇨🇦🐀 (@quangochef) March 14, 2018

History has shown the .@bcndp have been wrong on virtually any issue involving soccer. They were wrong on BC Place. They were wrong on MLS. They were wrong on the Women’s World Cup. They were wrong on grassroots soccer fields. They’re wrong now. #bcpoli #Vancouver

— BCSoccerWeb.com (@bcsoccerweb) March 14, 2018

So the biggest sporting event in the world (and all the publicity and tourism dollars associated with it) won’t be coming to Vancouver. Thanks @bcndp @jjhorgan #BCNDP #WorldCup

— Andrew Nazareth (@canuckguru) March 14, 2018

Vancouver is now not part of the North American World Cup bid because NDP didn’t want to fund their part of the bid! Didn’t want Expo 86 and the 2010 Olympics either!! #Morons

— Andy Meyer (@meyer1961) March 14, 2018

No World Cup games in Vancouver? Unpopular move from a guy that did not win the election. Is it because NDP won’t be around in 2026 to take credit?

— David Faykosh (@DJF008) March 14, 2018

Dear @bcndp government. If the story about Vancouver being taken out of the 2026 World Cup bid are true then you truly bottled it. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity that would have brought great prestige and opportunities for the coming generations.

— Manuel Veth (@ManuelVeth) March 14, 2018

Most of the blame, understandably, is falling onto the lap of the BC NDP. Many questions are being raised as to what the issue could be, especially after a successful Women’s World Cup was held in 2015.

There is still an opportunity for other Canadian cities to host matches, Edmonton, Toronto, and Montreal are still possible candidates.

In June, FIFA will decide between North America (Canada, USA, and Mexico) and Morocco, for the right to host the global spectacle.

See also