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May 29, 2026 8:51 PM - Pervez Sandhu - Connect Newsroom
The Province, City of Vancouver and BC Pavilion Corporation (PavCo) have released updated estimates of costs, offsetting revenues and economic benefits for FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in Vancouver.
The World Cup, which begins next month in Vancouver, is estimated to cost between $685 million to $729 million.
The figures were released today by the province’s Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Minister Anne Kang and the province’s Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon.
"Hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 is an incredible opportunity to welcome the world, while supporting local businesses, creating jobs and delivering lasting benefits for B.C.'s economy," said Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. "Thanks to careful planning, disciplined financial management and participation from our partners, the Province's projected overall net provincial costs of hosting FIFA World Cup 2026 matches have been reduced by $31 million compared to 2025 estimates."
Last year’s projections for the tournament were between $532 million to $624 million.
However, the province says the majority of the cost will be covered by revenue from a 2.5 per cent tax on short-term accommodations in Vancouver, as well as contributions from the federal government and other revenue streams.
According to the new projections, the gross cost of $595 million to $615 million will be offset by this revenue, leaving a net cost of $90 million to $114 million.
According to the government, this cost is lower than the net cost projection of $145 million presented in 2025.
Connect FM also asked Anne kang about the possibility of a transit strike during the World Cup and how the government plans to keep the city and the guests moving. Minister Kang said, “we are encouraging the workers to get back on the bargaining table to discuss issues that they have, we really appreciate the work that they do around the province and hopefully there’s no strike but this question will be best answered by the ministry of transportation.”
