Overview
Vancouver, the City of Glass, will be a spectacular host city for FIFA World Cup 2026, featuring 7 matches at the iconic BC Place Stadium. Vancouver will host 5 group stage matches and 2 knockout rounds, culminating in a Round of 16 match on July 7, 2026. This prestigious tournament will highlight Vancouver's unique blend of stunning natural beauty, diverse multicultural communities, and world-class facilities. From the majestic Stanley Park to the vibrant Granville Island, from the historic Gastown to the bustling Yaletown, Vancouver offers an unparalleled World Cup experience that combines the passion of global football with the charm of the Pacific Northwest. With its perfect summer weather, world-class dining scene featuring Michelin-starred restaurants, and passionate sports community, Vancouver promises unforgettable memories for soccer fans from around the world.
Getting Around
Airport
Vancouver International (YVR) - 8 miles from downtown
Distance to city center: 15-30 minutes
Public Transport
TransLink SkyTrain, buses, SeaBus, enhanced service planned for World Cup
Metro/bus passes available
Ride-Hail
Uber, Lyft available
Convenient for stadium access
Safety & Common Scams
Safety Tips
Very safe with enhanced World Cup security measures. Standard urban awareness recommended.
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use official transport and licensed taxis
- • Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night
- • Keep copies of important documents
Quick Facts
Essential Info
- Population: 2.6 million (metro area)
- Airport: Vancouver International (YVR) - 8 miles from downtown
- Public Transport: TransLink SkyTrain, buses, SeaBus, enhanced service planned for World Cup
- Best Time to Visit: June-July 2026 (World Cup period) - perfect weather
Travel Info
- Currency: CAD
- Language: English (widely spoken)
- Timezone: PST (UTC-8)
- Safety: Very safe with enhanced World Cup security measures. Standard urban awareness recommended.
Must-See Attractions
Stanley Park
1,000-acre urban park featuring scenic seawalls, beaches, and the Vancouver Aquarium
Granville Island
Bustling area with public market, artisan shops, and waterfront dining
Gastown
Vancouver's oldest neighborhood, known for its historic charm, boutiques, and the famous Steam Clock
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Experience the thrill of crossing a 140-meter-long suspension bridge amidst lush rainforest
Vancouver Art Gallery
Home to an extensive collection of Canadian and Indigenous art
Grouse Mountain
Mountain recreation area with gondola rides and stunning city views
Kitsilano Beach
Popular spot for relaxation with stunning views of the city skyline and mountains
VanDusen Botanical Garden
55-acre garden showcasing diverse plant species from around the world
Vancouver & BC Place Restaurant Guide
From stadium-area quick bites to world-class Michelin-starred dining, discover the best restaurants for your World Cup 2026 experience in the City of Glass.
Restaurants Near BC Place Stadium (Downtown Vancouver)
Yaletown Restaurants
Upscale neighborhood with trendy restaurants, bars, and cafes
Yaletown • 0.8 miles from stadium
CA$25-60 per person
Gastown
Historic neighborhood with diverse dining options and the famous Steam Clock
Gastown • 1.2 miles from stadium
CA$20-50 per person
Coal Harbour
Waterfront dining with harbor views and upscale restaurants
Coal Harbour • 1.5 miles from stadium
CA$30-80 per person
Stadium Area Food Trucks
Diverse food truck options with various cuisines and quick service
BC Place Stadium area • 0.1 miles from stadium
CA$10-20 per person
Iconic Vancouver Foods & Where to Get Them
Pacific Salmon
Fresh Pacific salmon - Vancouver's signature seafood, best enjoyed grilled or smoked
Granville Island, local seafood restaurants
CA$25-45 per serving
Japadog
Vancouver's famous Japanese-style hot dogs with unique toppings
Japadog locations, food trucks
CA$8-15 per dog
Nanaimo Bars
Classic Canadian dessert with chocolate, custard, and coconut layers
Local bakeries, Granville Island
CA$4-8 per bar
Craft Beer
Thriving craft beer scene with local breweries and innovative flavors
Granville Island Brewing, local breweries
CA$6-12 per pint
Fine Dining & Michelin-Starred Restaurants
Published on Main
Michelin-starred restaurant celebrated for its use of local ingredients and Scandinavian-inspired menu
3593 Main St, Vancouver • Mount Pleasant
CA$100+ per person
Masayoshi
Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant known for its exceptional sushi and omakase experiences
4376 Fraser St, Vancouver • Fraser Street
CA$100+ per person
Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
Seafood restaurant offering diverse menu, recognized in the Michelin Guide and ranked among Canada's top restaurants
845 Burrard St, Vancouver • Downtown
CA$100+ per person
Elisa
Modern steakhouse in Yaletown, celebrated for its farm-to-table approach and recommended by the Michelin Guide
1109 Hamilton St, Vancouver • Yaletown
CA$100+ per person
Neighborhood Dining Highlights
Granville Island
Granville Island Public Market
Fresh produce, local specialties, and diverse food vendors
CA$15-30 per person
Granville Island Brewing
Local craft beer and casual dining
CA$15-25 per person
Kitsilano
Fable Kitchen
Modern Canadian cuisine, Bib Gourmand status
CA$40-80 per person
Karma Indian Bistro
Authentic Indian dishes, Bib Gourmand recognition
CA$20-40 per person
Chinatown
Local dim sum restaurants
Authentic Chinese cuisine and traditional dim sum
CA$15-35 per person
Bubble tea shops
Popular Taiwanese drink with various flavors
CA$5-10 per drink
Quick & Budget-Friendly Options
Granville Island Public Market
Historic market with diverse food vendors, local specialties, and fresh produce
CA$15-30 per person
Food Trucks & Street Vendors
Diverse food truck scene throughout the city with various cuisines
CA$10-20 per person
Dining Tips for World Cup Visitors
Reservation Strategy
- • Fine dining: Book 1-2 months ahead
- • Popular spots: Use OpenTable, Resy apps
- • Walk-ins: Try off-peak hours (2-5 PM)
Match Day Dining
- • Pre-game: Eat 2-3 hours before kickoff
- • Stadium area: Book reservations well ahead
- • Post-game: Vancouver restaurants stay open late
Itineraries
24-Hour Itinerary
- • Morning: City tour and local breakfast
- • Afternoon: Stadium visit and fan zone
- • Evening: Match or local nightlife
48-Hour Itinerary
- • Day 1: Full city exploration and attractions
- • Day 2: Stadium experience and local culture
- • Extended time for relaxation and dining
Matches in this City
7 World Cup Matches
View the complete schedule for Vancouver
Fan Zones & Watch Parties
Official Fan Zone
Main gathering area for World Cup fans with giant screens and entertainment.
- • Location: City center
- • Hours: Match days + extended hours
- • Features: Food vendors, merchandise, live music
Watch Parties
Local bars and venues showing matches with fan-friendly atmosphere.
- • Sports bars in downtown area
- • Beachfront venues for outdoor viewing
- • Family-friendly options available
World Cup Stadiums
BC Place Stadium
Capacity
54,500 (with retractable roof)
Distance from Downtown
1 mile from downtown Vancouver
Transportation
SkyTrain, buses, walking
Map
Where to Stay
Fairmont Pacific Rim
Luxury waterfront hotel with chic design and world-class amenities
Opus Hotel
Boutique luxury hotel with modern design and vibrant atmosphere
The Four Seasons Vancouver
Contemporary luxury hotel with city views and world-class service
HI Vancouver Central
Budget-friendly accommodation with shared and private rooms
Travel Tips
Getting Around
TransLink SkyTrain, buses, SeaBus, enhanced service planned for World Cup is the best way to explore the city. Consider purchasing a day pass for unlimited rides.
Weather
65-75°F (18-24°C) - Pack accordingly and stay hydrated, especially during outdoor activities.
Safety
Very safe with enhanced World Cup security measures. Standard urban awareness recommended. - Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.
Plan Your Trip
Get detailed travel guides, match schedules, and exclusive fan tips.