The FIFA World Cup 2026 Is Hitting Vancouver—Here’s Your Ultimate Eat, Play, Stay Guide

If the FIFA World Cup 2026 is your passport to Vancouver, prepare for a city that knows how to do big sporting moments and natural beauty in equal measure. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the North Shore Mountains, Vancouver is a city where football fever collides with top-tier cuisine, breathtaking natural landscapes and a vibrant multicultural scene. 

There’s a particular electricity humming through Vancouver right now—the kind that wraps itself around a city before history happens. With the FIFA World Cup 2026 on the horizon and Canada stepping onto the global stage, the vibe is less 'just another tournament' and more 'once-in-a-generation energy'. I arrived expecting beautiful scenery and impressive dining (and trust me, Vancouver delivers in spades), but what caught me off-guard was the palpable sense of pride—Vancouver is undoubtedly quietly ready to roar on the world stage.

I was lucky enough to spend a few days exploring Vancouver, and honestly, all I can say is: start planning your itinerary now. Luckily for you, that’s where I come in. Read on for your ultimate Eat, Play, Stay guide to Vancouver for the FIFA World Cup 2026, as the countdown to kick-off begins

The FIFA World Cup 2026: 101

Image Credit: BC Place | Supplied

When Is It Happening?

The tournament will take place from June 11 2026 to July 19 2026. The group stage runs from June 11 to June 27, followed by knockout rounds, with the final scheduled on July 19.

Where Is It happening?

The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by three countries: the United States, Mexico and Canada. Matches will be played in 16 host cities: 11 in the US, 3 in Mexico, and 2 in Canada. Notable venues include the opening match at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11, and the final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford/New York–New Jersey on July 19.

How Much Are Tickets?

Ticket prices (official base) start from around USD $60 for some group-stage matches. For premium matches such as the semi-finals and final, and for hospitality packages, pricing can climb into the thousands of dollars, with tickets for the final reported up to around US$6,730. 

What Is The Tournament Format?

For the first time, the World Cup will feature 48 teams, an increase from 32. The teams will be divided into 12 groups of 4 teams each in the group stage. From there, the top two teams from each group, plus the eight best third-place teams, advance to the knockout rounds, forming a field of 32.

What’s New In 2026?

This will be the first time three countries jointly host the men’s World Cup. The expansion to 48 teams means more matches, more nations and more opportunities for fans to catch games. The spread across three countries also means travel plays a big role—you can experience different cities, cultures, and match venues all in one tournament. It presents a huge opportunity for fans to combine football with travel and cultural experiences in North America. 

Why Vancouver?

Vancouver is shaping up to be a must-visit destination for the FIFA World Cup 2026, offering the perfect mix of sport, culture and stunning natural scenery. As one of Canada’s host cities, it will welcome fans with world-class stadiums and fan festival experiences, set against the backdrop of the North Shore mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

Beyond football, Vancouver boasts a thriving culinary scene, vibrant arts and music culture, and easily accessible outdoor adventures. Its compact downtown, efficient public transport, and walkable neighborhoods mean visitors can move seamlessly between match venues, restaurants and tourist attractions.

How To Get To Vancouver

Image Credit: Destination Vancouver | Supplied

Touching down in Vancouver feels like slipping straight into a postcard with mountains framing the horizon and water glimmering beneath your flight path. Vancouver International Airport is just a quick 25 minute drive from downtown, and the sky-train makes arriving car-free simple.

Where To Eat In Vancouver

Capo & The Spritz

Image Credit: Capo & The Spritz | Supplied

At Yaletown’s stylish OPUS Vancouver Hotel, Capo & The Spritz set the tone for a week of exceptional dining. Capo is all about relaxed, neighborhood pizzeria vibes with a 36-hour fermented sourdough and Italian-trained chef Lucas Syme’s creative, playful toppings. My favourites? I kept coming back for the gnocci fritto and bomba and the bucanti cacio e pepe (hands down, some of the best I've ever had). Next door, The Spritz offers a quieter, 22-seat cocktail experience with Italian-inspired libations, perfect for savoring a negroni or Aperol while planning your next Vancouver adventure. 

Five Sails

Image Credit: Five Sails | Supplied

Perched above Coal Harbour at Canada Place, Five Sails was one of my personal dining highlights. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge, and the surrounding mountains, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Headed up by Chef Alex Kim, this restaurant specialises in fresh seafood (I'm still dreaming about that caviar...) and locally sourced ingredients, paired with an expertly curated wine list. Sitting at the table, watching the water shimmer in the sun is a seriously five-star dining experience. Read more.

Anh & Chi

Image Credit: Anh & Chi | Instagram

Vietnamese food gets a vibrant, contemporary twist at Anh & Chi. Located in Main Street’s bustling neighbourhood, this award-winning eatery serves dishes bursting with authentic flavors, from fresh spring rolls to delicately balanced pho. Passionate co-owner Amélie Nguyễn, her brother and their team, bring culture, love, and excitement to every plate, complemented by cocktails that highlight local and seasonal ingredients. Anh & Chi is all about about genuine community—I love that you can reserve a table by donating $10 per person to a local charity of your choice. Read more.

¿CóMO? Taperia

Image Credit: ¿CóMO? Taperia | Instagram

If Spanish tapas and a lively, social dining experience are more your style, ¿CóMO? Taperia delivers. In Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood, this Michelin Guide-recommended hotspot offers a bustling entrance stand-up bar, a cosy dining room and walls adorned with collectible soccer cards—a nod to football culture that resonates with World Cup visitors. The menu features small plates, conservas imported from Spain, and an impressive selection of Spanish wines and sherry. ¿CóMO? encourages sharing, talking, and lingering—just like a true tapas bar back in Barcelona. P.S Make sure you check out the toilet (just trust me here). Read more.

L’Abattoir

Image Credit: L'Abbattoir | Instagram

Gastown’s history bleeds into every brick and beam of L’Abattoir, where French-inspired cuisine meets industrial-chic design. Housed in a refurbished 19th-century building that once anchored Vancouver’s meatpacking district, the restaurant balances heritage with contemporary flair. With an elevated dining room, L’Abattoir offers dishes that honour local ingredients, executed with precision and creativity. The brioche bread was some of the best I've ever devoured and while the menu seasonally changes, the lime curd dessert was worth writing home about. Read more.

Salmon n’ Bannock

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The standout bite of my Vancouver journey came at Salmon n’ Bannock, Vancouver's only First Nations restaurant that showcases Indigenous cuisine across British Columbia. Every dish tells a story, from seasonal wild fish to organic game, all paired with artful presentations that celebrate tradition. The bistro offers guests a chance to connect with Indigenous culture through food, and the experience is immersive: vibrant murals, local storytelling, and warm hospitality all contribute to a meal that lingers long after the last bite.  Read more.

Where To Play In Vancouver

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

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Suspended 70 meters above the Capilano River, the suspension bridge park is Vancouver’s oldest and most iconic attraction. Beyond the bridge, Treetops Adventure offers seven elevated walkways through lush rainforest canopies, and the Cliffwalk winds along sheer granite cliffs with thrilling views. Guided eco and history tours provide insight into the region’s natural and cultural heritage, while the free shuttle from downtown makes this an accessible adventure for World Cup visitors looking to stretch their legs between games. Read more.

Prince of Whales Whale Watching

​Image Credit: Destination Vancouver | Supplied

A half-day tour with Prince of Whales offers a chance to witness orcas and humpback whales in the Salish Sea. Make sure to layer up, bring binoculars, and let the guides share stories about the marine life that thrives along Vancouver’s coast. Watching these majestic creatures surfacing in unison, while bald eagles soar overhead, is a humbling and awe-inspiring experience. You might even be lucky enough to see some baby seals on your cruise. Read more.

Granville Island

Image Credit: Granville Island | Supplied

At Granville Island, I recommend exploring with an immersive culinary journey courtesty of Vancouver Foodie Tours. In two hours, you’ll explore artisanal foods, sample unique dishes, and learn the stories behind local vendors. The tour highlights Vancouver’s multicultural heritage and creative energy, and it’s a must for any visitor looking to combine gastronomic exploration with cultural insight. There’s a real intimacy to Granville Island; vendors greet regulars by name and visitors get a delicious sense of belonging even if it’s their first time setting foot inside. Read more.

Harbour Air Panoramic Tour

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Seeing Vancouver from the sky is a bucket-list experience. Harbour Air’s seaplane tours offer panoramic views of the city’s skyline, Stanley Park, and surrounding mountains. For football fans, it’s a unique way to contextualise the city before heading into the stadium, making the anticipation for match day even more electric. Read more.

Takaya Canoe Tour

Image Credit: Takaya Tours | Supplied

Paddling through Burrard Inlet with Indigenous guides from the Tsleil-Waututh Nation provides a profound connection to Vancouver’s cultural roots. The Takaya Tour is part storytelling, part music, part journey across calm(ish) waters, and an opportunity to understand the city’s history from voices who have called it home for centuries. This cultural immersion is a perfect counterpoint to the stadium energy and will stick with you long after you get out of your impressive replica ocean-going canoe. Read more.

Grouse Mountain

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A must-do for any Vancouver visitor, Grouse Mountain offers year-round adventure, from the adrenaline of the Skyride gondola to the charm of resident grizzly bears, Grinder and Coola (you can even measure your height against them). Summer visitors can catch the Lumberjack Show or Birds in Motion demonstration, while winter brings skiing and snowshoeing. The mountain provides a physical and visual high point in Vancouver, giving fans a scenic reminder of the city’s natural beauty between matches. Read more.

Cycle City Stanley Park Tour

Image Credit: Cycle City | Supplied

Cycling through Stanley Park, Vancouver's largest urban park, blends buzzing city energy with natural beauty. Guided tours highlight history, local stories, and breathtaking coastal and forest views. Even casual cyclists can enjoy the ride, making it an accessible and energising way to experience the city. You might even be lucky enough to catch a peek of a squirrel, as we were. Personally, I recommend the Cycle City Tour—you can choose your duration, distance and difficulty with experienced guides who are fantastically knowledgable storytellers. Read more.

BC Place Private Suite

Image Credit: BC Place | Supplied

While this is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I was lucky enough to experience this and simply would be remiss to not mention it. The ultimate football experience in Vancouver is watching a match from a private suite at BC Place, which is BC's largest venue and will be the Vancouver home of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Here, the stadium comes alive in jaw-dropping fashion—cheers, chants, and the roar of thousands of fans create an electric atmosphere that’s impossible to replicate. For anyone visiting Vancouver for the World Cup, this is an experience you’ll tell stories about for years. Read more.

Where To Stay In Vancouver

OPUS Vancouver Hotel (Editor’s Pick)

Image Credit: OPUS Vancouver | Supplied

Yaletown’s boutique hotel gem, OPUS offers stylish and colourful rooms, personalised service, and an ideal location for exploring downtown. Its literal next-door proximity to Capo & The Spritz and local nightlife makes it a favourite for travelers who want design-forward accommodation with personality. Pus, it’s super dog-friendly so scores bonus points there. 15 minute walk to BC Place. Read more.

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver ($$$ Pick)

Image Credit: Fairmont | Booking.com

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver sits proudly in the heart of downtown Vancouver, its impressive façade a nod to its 1939 heritage and timeless elegance. Inside, art‑deco chandeliers reflect off marble floors, while updated rooms combine modern comfort with classic character—many offering sweeping skyline or city‑gallery views. With its unbeatable location just steps from Robson and Pacific Blvd, the hotel is ideal for football fans who want luxe stay steps away from stadium nights and the best in dining, shopping and culture. 12 minute walk to BC Place. Read more.

JW Marriott Parq Vancouver ($$ Pick)

Image Credit: JW Marriott | Booking.com

JW Marriott Parq Vancouver sits in the heart of the city’s sports and entertainment district, just minutes from BC Place Stadium. The hotel boasts 329 sleek rooms and suites, many with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the harbour or city skyline, alongside an on-site spa and rooftop hydrotherapy tub. With multiple dining options and lounges, it’s a great base for World Cup fans looking to combine match-day excitement with luxury. 4 minute walk to BC Place. Read more.

YWCA Hotel Vancouver ($ Pick)

Image Credit: YWCA | Booking.com

Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the YWCA Hotel Vancouver located in Downtown Vancouver, offering clean, central accommodations without breaking the bank. Practical amenities, central location, and friendly service make it an excellent choice for visiting fans who prioritize convenience and value. Bonus: 2 minute walk to BC Place. Read more.

There’s something captivating about exploring a city right before it becomes the centre of the sporting universe. Vancouver is humming with anticipation—not loudly, not frantically, but with a steady, confident pulse. It’s polishing glasses in its bars, smoothing linen in its hotel rooms, and welcoming travellers who already feel lucky to be here ahead of the rush.

Image Credit: BC Place | Supplied

Soon, the chants will echo through downtown and football fans from every corner of the world will arrive in Vancouver marveling at the mountains, the ocean and the city that connects them. And, trust me, Vancouver is ready.

And when the FIFA World Cup 2026 final match whistles and the stadium lights dim? The city will still be here, ocean breezes and forest trails and ocean views waiting patiently—proof that some destinations aren’t just worth visiting; they’re worth returning to long after the crowds have gone home.

Main image credit: Destination Vancouver | Supplied

Disclaimer: The writer travelled as a guest of Destination Vancouver.