FIFA to Hold 2026 Congress in Vancouver Ahead of World Cup Kickoff

FIFA has confirmed that Vancouver will host the 76th edition of its annual Congress in 2026, just weeks before the FIFA World Cup begins across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. As reported by TSN, this marks the first time the global football summit will take place in Canada.

The Congress will bring together representatives from FIFA’s 211 member associations—more than the United Nations—as well as confederation officials and football legends. “This is not just a standard annual meeting,” said CONCACAF president and Vancouver native Victor Montagliani. “It’s a football festival with four to five days of events, including cultural programs and matches featuring world legends.”

Among the key items on the agenda will be the host selection for the 2031 and 2035 Women’s World Cups. So far, there are two joint bids: the U.S. and Mexico for 2031, and the United Kingdom’s Home Nations for 2035.

The main focus, however, will be the 2026 World Cup, which kicks off on June 11 in Mexico City. Canada’s opening match is scheduled for June 12 in Toronto, with the team relocating to Vancouver’s BC Place for its remaining group-stage games.

Montagliani noted that while much of the logistical groundwork is already underway, the most visible aspects of tournament preparations—including stadium readiness—will materialize in the final two to three months before the event.