Vancouver tickets

Whether you've already got your World Cup tickets and you're planning on visiting the area for one fixture or you stay to soak up the atmosphere, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about the city's role in the World Cup. From stadium details and ticketing to travel tips and local highlights, we're here to make sure you make the most of your time in Vancouver.

How to buy tickets for the World Cup matches in Vancouver

The World Cup is the pinnacle of professional football, and it only comes around every four years, so World Cup tickets are in high demand and notoriously difficult to get your hands on. In fact, it's common for fans to reach out to our support team asking: How can I book World Cup tickets in Vancouver? And it can be tricky. Let's walk you through all the steps so you can start thinking about booking your flights across the pond.

1. Select the match you want to attend and click 'View Tickets'.
2. Select the area you would like to sit within the stadium graphic on the right-hand side.
3. Select the number of tickets you would like to purchase.
4. Click on the green 'Buy' button.
5. Complete the order form using your personal details.
6. Don't forget to check that all your information has been input and is correct.
7. Click 'Make Payment'.
8. The tickets are now yours!

Ticket prices tend to vary depending on the seat category and match type, so do bear that in mind when selecting matches. Some games, mainly knockout matches or popular teams, can sell out incredibly quickly, so make sure you book early and are on high alert for when tickets come on sale!

Which stadium in Vancouver hosts World Cup matches

Out of the 104 matches throughout the 2026 World Cup, 7 of them will be played in Vancouver, with all 7 played at BC Place Stadium. Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, the venue, which will be known as "Vancouver Stadium" throughout the World Cup, is known for its cutting-edge design and reputation for delivering world-class fan experiences.

BC Place opened its doors in 1983, with an original construction cost of CAD $297 million. Since then, the stadium has undergone extensive renovations, bringing the total investment to an estimated CAD $819 million. Now it boasts the largest retractable roof in the world and an exterior wrapped in thousands of LED lights to create a dazzling "Northern Lights" display at night.

Currently home to MLS side the Vancouver Whitecaps, BC Place is known for being more than just a sports venue, hosting everything from Olympic ceremonies to major concerts by artists like Beyoncé, U2, and Ed Sheeran.

Stadium	Capacity	No. Games	Stages Hosted
BC Place	54,500	7	Group Stage, Round of 32, Round of 16

Fan zones locations in Vancouver

The official Vancouver World Cup Fan Festival will be held at Hastings Park, also known as the PNE (Pacific National Exhibition) grounds, one of city's largest and most historic urban parks. Set across 150 acres of land, Hasting's Park has hosted everything from livestock shows in the 1890s to ski jumps in the 1950s and is often described as Vancouver's "Swiss Army Knife" of parks.

Here, fans can be part of a massive outdoor viewing party and will be able to enjoy live match screenings, food vendors, music performances, and interactive games. If you're attending a game or just looking to soak up the vibes, the Fan Festival promises to be a lively experience.

Accommodation tips in the city for football fans

Depending on whether you're planning to soak up the World Cup atmosphere at the Vancouver Fan Festival or you've got tickets to a match and would like to stay closer to the stadium, there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from. Here's a full guide of the options you have at your disposal.

Near BC Place Stadium (Downtown Vancouver)

Category	Hotel Name	Distance
Budget-Friendly (< £130/night)	YWCA Hotel Vancouver	5-minute walk
Cambie Hostel Gastown	10-minute walk
Samesun Vancouver	10-minute walk
The Burrard	15-minute walk
Hotel Ambassador	15-minute walk
HI Vancouver Central	15-minute walk
Mid-Range (£130–£230/night)	Hotel BLU Vancouver	5-minute walk
Georgian Court Hotel	5-minute walk
Sandman Hotel Vancouver Downtown	10-minute walk
Moda Hotel	10-minute walk
Rosedale on Robson Suite Hotel	10-minute walk
Century Plaza Hotel	15-minute walk
Luxury (> £300/night)	JW Marriott Parq Vancouver	Adjacent to stadium
The Douglas, Autograph Collection	Adjacent to stadium
Fairmont Pacific Rim	15-minute walk
Shangri-La Vancouver	15-minute walk
Rosewood Hotel Georgia	15-minute walk

Near Hastings Park (East Vancouver)

Category	Hotel Name	Distance
Budget-Friendly (< £130/night)	Atrium Inn Vancouver	5-minute walk
Cassandra Hotel	10-minute drive
2400 Motel Vancouver	10-minute drive
Deluxe Hotel Vancouver	10-minute drive
Days Inn by Wyndham Vancouver	10-minute drive
Budget Inn Patricia Hotel	10-minute drive
Mid-Range (£130–£230/night)	Holiday Inn Express Vancouver	10-minute drive
Best Western Plus Uptown Hotel	10-minute drive
Ramada by Wyndham Vancouver	10-minute drive
Executive Suites Hotel Burnaby	15-minute drive
Accent Inns Burnaby	15-minute drive
Hotel at the Waldorf	10-minute drive
Luxury (> £300/night)	Fairmont Waterfront	15-minute drive
Pan Pacific Vancouver	15-minute drive
L'Hermitage Hotel	15-minute drive
The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver	15-minute drive
OPUS Hotel Vancouver	20-minute drive

If you are staying for a longer period of time or you are travelling as part of a group, you could consider booking an Airbnb or a short-term rental. For all stays, ensure you book early to avoid price surges as the World Cup draws closer and demand for accommodation skyrockets.

How to get to the city (city centre)

If you are flying from the UK, the most common route to Vancouver is from London Heathrow to Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Direct flights are widely available and typically take around 9½ hours.

Once you arrive, getting into the city is relatively straightforward. YVR is located about 25 to 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver, depending on traffic. Taxis, airport shuttles, and rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft operate 24/7, and rental cars are available from multiple providers. For short trips or exploring areas like Gastown, Stanley Park, or Granville Island, bike-share stations and e-scooter rentals are common throughout central Vancouver.

Driving is an option, but traffic in the city centre can be congested during peak hours, especially near major venues such as BC Place Stadium or the Fan Festival site at Hastings Park. Public transport, including SkyTrain, buses, and SeaBus, is often a smarter choice for navigating the region and avoiding parking hassles.

Travel information between connected cities

Vancouver is part of the Western Region, which includes Los Angeles, Seattle, and the San Francisco Bay Area. These cities are spread across the Pacific coast and are not connected by a single trainline like in the Eastern Region, but Amtrak does operate scenic long-distance routes such as the Coast Starlight and Pacific Surfliner. Train journeys can be lengthy, but Amtrak trains are comfortable and offer stunning views of the coastline and mountains along the way.

If you've got tickets for a World Cup fixture but would prefer not to travel by train, flights between these host cities are frequent and affordable, especially with airlines like Southwest, Alaska and Delta. Domestic flights are considered the quickest way to travel between cities in the Western Region, so they're a great option if you're on a tight schedule.

You do also have the option of going on a road trip, but they do tend to be quite time-consuming, as you can see below:

Route	Distance (miles / km)	Driving Time
Los Angeles → San Francisco	381 mi / 613 km	6–7 hours
Los Angeles → Seattle	1,136 mi / 1,828 km	17–18 hours
Los Angeles → Vancouver	1,082 mi / 1,741 km	19–20 hours
San Francisco → Seattle	808 mi / 1,300 km	12.5–13 hours
San Francisco → Vancouver	950 mi / 1,529 km	14.5–15.5 hours
Seattle → Vancouver	142 mi / 229 km	2.5–3 hours

Football history in Vancouver

Football made its first appearance in Vancouver in the late 19th century, brought across the Atlantic by British immigrants. Pockets of the city quickly fell in love with the game and the first professional league emerged in 1904. Clubs like St. Andrews FC and Vancouver Firefighters FC rose to prominence, laying the foundation for Vancouver's reputation as an early powerhouse in Canadian football.

The game truly took off with the formation of the original Vancouver Whitecaps in 1973. That same year, they joined the North American Soccer League and went on to win the championship in 1979, defeating the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the Soccer Bowl.

However, after folding in 1985, the Whitecaps were replaced by the 86ers, a new club backed by 86 local investors in 1986. The very same year, Canada qualified for their first ever World Cup, fuelling local and national enthusiasm for the game.

In 2000, the 86ers rebranded as the Vancouver Whitecaps to preserve the iconic name, paving the way for the club's evolution into the MLS franchise that officially launched in 2011. Despite limited success in MLS football, the Whitecaps are one of the most successful sides in Canadian history, winning the Canadian Championship 4 times in 2015, 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many World Cup matches will be played in Vancouver?

Vancouver will host 7 matches during the 2026 World Cup. This includes five group-stage matches, one Round of 32, and one Round of 16, making it the most active Canadian host city.

What stages of the tournament will Vancouver host?

Vancouver will host five group-stage matches, one Round of 32, and one Round of 16.

When do World Cup tickets for Vancouver matches go on sale?

Tickets are already available on the LiveFootballTickets website. The best time to buy is after the official draw, so you know which teams are playing. Tickets for specific fixtures will be released shortly after the draw.

Can I buy tickets for multiple matches in Vancouver?

Yes, you can buy tickets for multiple matches, but each order must be placed separately. Since the system doesn't use a shopping cart, you'll need to complete a new transaction for each game.

What is the closest airport to Vancouver?

The closest airport is Vancouver International Airport (YVR), located about 9 miles south of downtown. It offers direct flights to and from major cities across North America, Europe, and Asia.

How do I get from Vancouver Airport to downtown?

You can take the Canada Line SkyTrain from the airport to downtown Vancouver in about 25 minutes. Taxis, rideshares like Uber and Lyft, and airport shuttles are also widely available.

How far is Vancouver from other World Cup host cities?

Here are the approximate distances from Vancouver to each of the other host cities:

• Seattle – 140 miles
• San Francisco Bay Area – 950 miles
• Los Angeles – 1,280 miles
• Dallas – 2,000 miles
• Houston – 2,200 miles
• Atlanta – 2,600 miles
• Miami – 3,000 miles
• New York/New Jersey – 2,800 miles
• Boston – 3,100 miles
• Philadelphia – 2,750 miles
• Guadalajara – 2,300 miles
• Mexico City – 2,670 miles
• Monterrey – 2,400 miles
• Kansas City – 1,800 miles
• Toronto – 2,080 miles

Air travel is the most efficient way to visit multiple host cities, especially for longer distances.

Can I take a train from Vancouver to other World Cup host cities?

Train travel is possible to nearby cities like Seattle via Amtrak. For other host cities, flying is faster and more practical.

What is the best way to get around Vancouver during the World Cup?

Use a mix of SkyTrain, buses, walking, and rideshares. TransLink's public transport network covers most of the city, including connections to BC Place. Bike-sharing is also available in central areas.

What are the best neighbourhoods to stay in Vancouver for World Cup fans?

Downtown, Yaletown, and Gastown are top choices. Downtown is closest to the stadium and Fan Festival. Yaletown offers trendy restaurants and waterfront views. Gastown is known for its historic charm and nightlife.

When should I book my hotel in Vancouver for the World Cup?

Book as early as possible. Prices will rise and availability will shrink as the tournament approaches. Many hotels offer flexible cancellation policies, so you can reserve now and adjust later.

Where is the official Vancouver Fan Festival located?

The official Fan Festival will be held at Jack Poole Plaza, a scenic waterfront location near Canada Place and the Olympic Cauldron.

Do I need a ticket to enter the Vancouver Fan Festival?

No ticket is required. The Fan Festival is free and open to the public, making it a great option for fans without match tickets.

What can I expect at the Vancouver Fan Festival?

Expect giant screens showing live matches, live music, food trucks, sponsor activations, interactive games, and merchandise booths. It's designed to be family-friendly and welcoming to fans of all ages.

What are the must-see attractions in Vancouver?

Top attractions include Stanley Park, Granville Island, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver Aquarium, and Grouse Mountain.

Where can I watch other World Cup matches in Vancouver if I'm not attending in person?

You can watch matches at the Fan Festival or at local football bars like The Pint, Library Square, and The Manchester. Many hotels and restaurants will also screen games.

What will the weather be like in Vancouver during the World Cup in June?

Vancouver's weather in June is mild and pleasant, with average highs around 70°F (21°C) and lows near 55°F (13°C). Light rain is possible, but summer is generally drier than spring.

What should I pack for a World Cup trip to Vancouver in summer?

Bring layers, including light clothing for daytime and a jumper or jacket for cooler evenings. Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a rain jacket or umbrella are also recommended.

Is it safe to walk around downtown Vancouver at night?

Downtown Vancouver is generally very safe, especially in busy areas near the stadium and Fan Festival. Stay alert, avoid isolated streets, and travel in groups when possible.

Has Vancouver hosted World Cup matches before?

No, Vancouver has never hosted World Cup matches before. However, it hosted matches during the 2015 Women's World Cup and other major international football events.

Can I attend a Vancouver Whitecaps match during my World Cup visit?

It's unlikely, as the league will pause during the World Cup. However, you may be able to visit BC Place and take a stadium tour if available.

How long is the flight from London to Vancouver?

A nonstop flight from London to Vancouver takes about 9 to 10 hours. British Airways and Air Canada offer direct service between Heathrow and YVR.

What time zone is Vancouver in?

Vancouver is in the Pacific Time Zone (PT), which is UTC−8 during standard time and UTC−7 during daylight saving time. In June, the city will be on daylight saving time.

How do I get between BC Place and the Vancouver Fan Festival?

BC Place is located about half a mile from Jack Poole Plaza. You can walk in around 10 to 15 minutes, or take a short bus or rideshare. Public transport options will be expanded during the tournament.