Celebrating One Year to Go to FIFA World Cup 26™
June 11 marks just 12 short months until fans from around the world fill our streets, restaurants, bars, and stadium with the passion of the beautiful game. Today, that milestone is being marked with an unveiling of the Countdown Clock, an official proclamation and mini-pitch matches for local youth footballers and special guests.
“The FIFA World Cup 26™ isn’t just a tournament but a historic moment to showcase our city on the world stage,” said Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim. “We’re ready to welcome the world with open arms and create unforgettable memories for fans, families, and future soccer stars alike. From the pitch to our public spaces, this is going to be a celebration of culture, community, and the beautiful game.”
The One Year to Go milestone is being celebrated across all 16 host cities. Vancouver’s celebrations will be rooted in community and inclusivity, reflecting our vibrant soccer culture which brings together people of all backgrounds.
“Growing up playing soccer on the fields of East Vancouver, I could have only dreamed of a moment like this - the FIFA World Cup 26™ will be right here in our city, one year from today,” said Victor Montagliani, FIFA Vice President and President of Concacaf.“ This isn’t just a global milestone; it’s deeply personal. I’ve lived and breathed football my whole life. This is a once in a lifetime moment for Vancouver, our youth, and everyone who has ever laced up a pair of cleats on a local pitch.”
“With one year to go until our province welcomes the FIFA World Cup 26™, excitement is building across BC,” said Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that promises to deliver pride, unity, community spirit and economic benefits. We look forward to sharing all that makes Vancouver, and our province special with the world.”
How we’re celebrating
- Countdown Clock: Officials and special guests gathered on Terry Fox Plaza today to unveil Vancouver’s official Host City Countdown Clock, which will count down the days until the historic tournament kicks off. Snap a selfie at the clock and hashtag it #WeAreVancouver today through the end of the tournament next year.
- Soccer Day: Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim proclaimed June 13 Soccer Day in Vancouver to honour Vancouver’s vibrant and growing soccer community and one year until kick off at BC Place Vancouver.
- Best Match: Youth players participated in mini-pitch matches that were fully produced, with coaches Christine Sinclair and Tosaint Ricketts, creating the energy and excitement of a real game.
- Light up Canada: Landmarks in Vancouver and around the country will light up in red and white to mark One Year to Go until the FIFA World Cup 26™ kicks off in Canada. This display will bring us together in a moment of national celebration as we prepare to welcome visitors from around the world in 2026.
- Words from FIFA icon and proud Vancouverite Karina LeBlanc: Five-time FIFA World Cup™ footballer, FIFA Legend and retired Olympic medalist, Karina LeBlanc welcomes the world to her hometown in a heartfelt video message. With passion and pride, she shares how the beautiful game shaped her life and why Vancouver holds a special place in her heart as a host city.
- Merchandise giveaways: We are partnering with BC Soccer and local soccer clubs to give away official FIFA World Cup 26™ gear through the month of June. Visit www.vancouverfwc26.ca/1ytg for chances to win one of five prize packs.
Significant planning is underway to ensure the event experience in 2026 will be memorable, accessible and safe, so all fans, regardless of background or ability, can enjoy this historic event. With volunteer registration launching later this summer, more opportunities to get involved in this unique event are ahead in the coming months. Additionally, in December we will learn who plays in Vancouver's group stage matches.
Stay informed, get involved
- Follow us on Instagram, X and Facebook @FWC26Vancouver.
- Tickets go on sale in the coming months. Sign up to receive more information at FIFA.com/tickets, the official and preferred source of tickets for the tournament.
- Express your interest to volunteer by joining the FIFA Volunteer Community at FIFA.com/volunteer and completing the expression of interest form.
Additional quotes
Chief Wayne Sparrow, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band)
“On behalf of Musqueam, Leadership and Community, we want to raise our hands with gratitude, and welcome all to our territory. We are extremely excited and honoured to be part of this global event. In our community, Sport, and specifically Soccer, plays an important role in our everyday life, particularly with our younger generations. Sport highlights the importance of self-discipline, physical health, emotional health, and mental health and is an outlet to make a positive impact in their lives. We look forward to what the next 365 days will bring not only to the Province, City, and MST Nations, but for all youth that have a passion for the sport. And at Musqueam, we will be thrilled to welcome the world to our doorstep. Thank you to all who are doing the work of organizing FIFA World Cup26™, we are proud to be working alongside you.”
Sxwíxwtn-Wilson Williams, Spokesperson and Councillor, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation)
“It’s hard to believe in just 365 days we will welcome the world to our Traditional Territory for one of the largest sports celebrations our city has ever seen. We at Sḵwx̱wú7meshÚxwumixw (Squamish Nation) believe in the power of sport as a catalyst for growth and unity, and there really is no better way of bringing people together. We are honoured to play a meaningful role in FIFA World Cup 26™ and very much look forward to sharing our culture, our teachings, and our history with the thousands of visitors who will come to our beautiful lands.”
Chief Jen Thomas, səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation)
“We’re proud that our youth and our culture are taking centre stage at this milestone event, alongside our relatives xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band) and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (SquamishNation). Passion for soccer is woven throughout our Tsleil-Waututh Nation community and I’m excited to see how the FIFA World Cup 26™ will inspire a new generation of dedicated Tsleil-Waututh soccer players.”
The Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport)
“With just one year to go until the FIFA World Cup 26™, the excitement is building and Canada is ready. Hosting this tournament is about more than the game; it’s a chance to show the world who we are: inclusive, ambitious, hard-working and proud. Our government’s support is helping bring this global event to life in Vancouver and Toronto, and we hope it inspires young people across the country to dream big and believe in what’s possible.”
Note to editors
Download official photos of Vancouver's One Year to Go media event at the following link. Photo credit City of Vancouver.
Media contact:
Civic Engagement and Communications
media@vancouver.ca
General FIFA World Cup 26™ media inquiries:
FIFA Media Team
media@fifa.org
