Saturday marks Vancouver’s first FIFA World Cup 2026 game, where Australia will face off against Turkey at B.C. Place.
“I feel giddy,” said Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim to The Early Edition’s Stephen Quinn on Thursday.
Here’s what you need to know about watching the game, taking part in festivities and getting around over the next month and a half.
Getting around
Organizers strongly recommend walking, biking, rolling or taking public transit downtown during the FIFA World Cup.
A number of road closures are in place in Vancouver’s downtown core throughout the next two months, with additional closures on game days.
A five-block stretch of Granville Street between Davie Street and West Georgia Street is now a pedestrian zone, closed to traffic until late July.
During this time, buses and vehicle traffic are being rerouted to Howe Street and Seymour Street.
Pacific Boulevard between the Cambie Bridge and Carrall Street will also be closed for the duration of the tournament, as it will be home to a spectator route for those travelling from the SkyTrain to B.C. Place.
Those attending games are being asked to get off the SkyTrain at the Main Street Science World station.
Final preparations are underway in Vancouver as the city’s first World Cup match is just around the corner. The CBC’s Michelle Gomez explains what you need to know about getting around.
Several other streets surrounding the stadium are also closed on game days, starting Saturday, including stretches of Expo Boulevard, Quebec Street, Beatty Street and Keefer Street.
You can find more information about road closures here.
TransLink has added two extra temporary bus routes for the duration of the tournament, one that loops downtown and one that shuttles people between the SkyTrain and the Fan Festival at the PNE.
Festivities
The official FIFA Fan Festival will be held on game days at the newly opened PNE amphitheatre, with matches being broadcast live on screens. It will also include fan installations, food and beverage options, along with and musical performances.
You can learn more about the FIFA Fan Festival and how to get there here.
The FIFA Men’s World Cup is underway and Vancouver’s Granville street has been transformed into a soccer hub. As the CBC’s Troy Charles explains, that means out with the cars and in with people, patios and lots more.
Granville Street has transformed into a pedestrian zone with installations, expanded patios and photo ops, with each block having a different theme.
The city has not said there will be screens for viewing the games, so fans may need to visit bars and restaurants along the street to watch the matches.
Both Turkish and Australian fans are planning on showing up and showing out in Vancouver on Saturday ahead of the big game.
The Consulate General of the Republic of Turkey in Vancouver announced a fan march will leave Jonathan Rogers Park in Mount Pleasant at 5:00 p.m. PT Saturday, ending at the Science World SkyTrain station.
Meanwhile, Irish bar Dublin Calling on Granville Street is hosting an Australian-themed party with Australian food and music. A fan march with leave the bar around 6:20 p.m. PT.
Free watch parties
For those who don’t have tickets to games, free watch parties are being held across the city.
Fans can watch games for free at the official FIFA Fan Festival being held at the PNE. But here are some other free viewing festivals in Metro Vancouver:
University of British Columbia
Where: Westbrook Village
When: June 11 and July 19
Where: The Amazing Brentwood (Plaza and TABLES Lounge)
When: June 11 and July 19
Where: Surrey Civic Plaza, 13450 104 Ave
When: June 11 and July 19
Where: Canada Soccer House at the Shipyards
When: June 11 and July 19
Where: Various locations, including Blue Mountain Park, Town Centre Park, and Percy Perry Stadium
When: June 24, July 1, and July 19
Latincouver is also hosting live screenings of specific games in it’s Latin Plaza in Gastown. Tickets are free or by donation, and must be reserved in advance as there is limited capacity.
‘Heat wave’
Metro Vancouver is set to experience what B.C. Hydro is calling a “heat wave” this weekend, extending into Monday.
Environment and Climate Change Canada says on Saturday, highs of 24 C are expected in the city, reaching 30 C inland.
On Sunday, highs of 25 C are expected, reaching 31 C inland
B.C. Hydro warns demand for electricity is expected to climb to historic highs as temperatures rise during increased activity surrounding the World Cup, including watch parties and large gatherings.
It says it is cancelling or shortening planned outages where possible during the heat wave, and has limited maintenance work between June 8 and July 19 during the World Cup.
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