FIFA World Cup set to score big for Canada’s economy

Canada is about to host one of the biggest events on the planet and the economic playbook looks like a winner. With Vancouver and Toronto set to welcome fans from around the globe for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, economists and tourism officials alike are bullish on the potential windfall.

According to a joint report from Deloitte and FIFA, the tournament is expected to kick nearly $3.8 billion into Canada’s economy between now and 2026, generating $2 billion in GDP, creating or maintaining 24,000 jobs, and racking up $700 million in government revenue along the way. Every dollar spent is expected to produce $1.09 in GDP — not a bad return for playing the long game.

Vancouver in position to lead the table

With seven matches scheduled at BC Place, Vancouver will be Canada’s top host city, and B.C. is poised to see a major upside. Provincial projections estimate the tournament’s total economic output in B.C. at $1.7 billion, including $980 million in GDP, $610 million in labour income and $120 million in tax revenue. Officials say it could support more than 13,000 jobs over three years.

That momentum won’t vanish when the final whistle blows. The province is banking on over 1 million out-of-province visitors between 2026 and 2031, spending an estimated $1.05 billion and supporting an additional 18,000 jobs. For a sector still rebounding from pandemic-era losses, this is more than a morale boost — It’s a money-maker.

The cost of the game

Of course, no major tournament comes without financial challenges. With less than a year to go, the province released updated estimates for hosting seven matches at BC Place, putting the gross hosting cost between $532 million and $624 million. Estimated revenues are forecasted between $448 million and $478 million, resulting in a net hosting cost of between $85 million and $145 million.

As Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Spencer Chandra Herbert told CTV News, “If you’re spending between $85 million and $145 million in net core cost to host World Cup, and then that leads to a billion in investment in the province through increased tourism, that obviously makes sense. And I think that’s what we are doing here.”

Yet, not everyone sees it as a winning play. Carson Binda of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation told CTV she sees the government’s economic benefits as “a lot of hot air,” warning that taxpayers may be left “with the bill” without seeing the promised returns. A Leger poll commissioned by the federation found 55% of British Columbians with an opinion believe hosting the games isn’t worth the cost.

Despite criticism, the province remains confident. Minister Chandra Herbert has even floated the idea of Vancouver hosting more matches, telling CTV, “We made that offer. If there are other cities hosting World Cup who aren’t able to host as many matches or they’re not able to do what they said they’d do, we said to the World Cup, ‘We are here, we are happy to host more.’”

Not just about the scoreboard

Hosting the World Cup is a catalyst for long-needed infrastructure upgrades. Vancouver’s transit expansions, like the Broadway subway line, and venue improvements at BC Place aren’t just FIFA preparations. They’re investments for commuters, event organizers and future visitors.

On the cultural front, organizers are working closely with the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations to weave Indigenous culture into the fabric of the games. This partnership adds an important dimension to the event, ensuring it’s not only about soccer but also about celebrating the region’s rich heritage.

Scoring big for business and tourism

Destination Vancouver estimates the city’s visitor economy to be a $9.6 billion industry supporting more than 63,000 jobs. Hosting World Cup matches could supercharge that with a new wave of spending, attention and return visits.

Local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to ride-share drivers and retailers, are gearing up for a boom. Real estate, infrastructure and hospitality sectors, especially in Vancouver’s downtown core and surrounding neighbourhoods, are positioned to benefit from the tournament’s global spotlight.

The final whistle

Hosting part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup might be one of the best plays Canada makes this decade. Yes, it comes with a price tag. But with billions in economic output, tens of thousands of jobs, a huge boost to tourism and a long list of infrastructure improvements, the tournament is shaping up to be more than just a game.

It’s a rare chance for Canada, and especially B.C, to step onto the global stage. If the economic forecasts and government projections hold true, Canada might just come out ahead on both the scoreboard and the balance sheet.