FIFA VP Says Moving Vancouver Whitecaps Would Be ‘A Crime’ Ahead of 2026 World Cup

With just one year to go until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, FIFA vice president and Concacaf president Victor Montagliani warned that relocating the Vancouver Whitecaps would be a major setback for the city and Canadian soccer. Speaking at a Vancouver Board of Trade event, Montagliani called the potential move “a crime” that would damage the city’s reputation post-World Cup.

“You don’t want to come out of the World Cup and your professional football club is playing in Sacramento,” he said, per The Canadian Press. The club’s ownership group announced in December that the team is for sale, sparking speculation about a relocation if an out-of-town buyer emerges.

In April, the Whitecaps confirmed talks with city officials regarding a new soccer-specific stadium, which club CEO Axel Schuster said is key to keeping the team in Vancouver. Montagliani emphasized the need for a lasting legacy: “It can’t just be about a party. It’s got to be about youth, about the game, about continuity.”

Vancouver is set to host seven World Cup matches, with renovations already underway at B.C. Place. Upgrades include a new central video board, improved Wi-Fi, accessibility enhancements, and a natural grass field. Hosting costs are projected between $483 million and $581 million, with an expected net cost of up to $145 million.

Montagliani urged Canadian stakeholders to see the World Cup as a transformative moment. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said. “It’s a chance for Canada to take a global game and truly make it ours.”