VANCOUVER TARNISHING ITS SOCCER LEGACY
Withdrawing as potential 2026 World Cup host city could be costly in the long run
“Thanks, but no thanks.”
That, more or less, was British Columbia’s dumbfounding response this week upon removing Vancouver’s B.C. Place as a prospective stadium to play host to World Cup matches in 2026, leaving Toronto, Montreal and Edmonton as Canada’s only potential host cities.
It was a baffling decision from a provincial government that cares more about political posturing than business metrics or the voices of Canadians, more than three-quarters of whom support Canada’s United Bid with the U.S. and Mexico, according to Ipsos.
“It’s disappointing because of the legacy (Canada Soccer) had started for the city in terms of international soccer,” said Peter Montopoli, Canada’s bid director and CSA general secretary.
“We thought we were a critical component to the success of B.C. Place and growing soccer in Vancouver.”
Events like this are why the B.C. government recently poured more than $500 million into B.C. Place, a venue that less than three years ago successfully played host to the Women’s World Cup final.
“It was an incredibly positive experience,” Montopoli added.
“We sold out 99 per cent of the hotel rooms (in Vancouver). The GDP in Canada rose by 3.4 per cent in June 2015.”
Impressive totals, to be sure. But not impressive enough to sway a B.C. government that cowered at the uncertainty that comes along with bidding for an event that’s eight years away.
“The Vancouver decision started to rest from a political point of view,” Montopoli said, adding the decision doesn’t add up. “Knowing the revenue potential that’s available for a stadium and a convention centre, I’m not sure that was taken in as it should have been.”
The Boston Consulting Group estimates 2026 World Cup cities could see net benefits of as much a $480 million — and that’s after accounting for potential public costs. What’s more, Vancouver’s decision to turn its back on the United Bid and Canada Soccer could have lasting effects — like being passed over for international friendlies and future tournaments.
What incentive does Canada Soccer have to play future fixtures at B.C. Place?
Instead, the United Bid is moving forward with Toronto, Montreal and Edmonton.
Suddenly, the City of Champions seems a likely destination given Canada will play host to 10 matches if awarded the tournament. After all, it’s a stretch to say Toronto’s BMO Field and Montreal’s Olympic Stadium are capable of hosting five games each during a two-week group phase.
Edmonton, a city that seemed unlikely to get a sniff just a few weeks ago, could be the Manaus, Brazil of the 2026 World Cup if the United Bid takes down Morocco.
Compared to their North African competition, the United Bid appears to have a dream proposal that should prove too good to refuse when the FIFA congress votes in June.
The United Bid’s pillars — Unity. Certainty. Opportunity — should make it irresistible to everyone outside the B.C. legislature.
The bid expects to generate $2 billion in ticket sales alone.
“If you’re a FIFA member association and you look at how FIFA distributes dollars from the FIFA Forward Program, these are things that help down the road for the development and growth of football worldwide,” Montopoli said.
Additionally, concerns over construction costs are minimal given existing infrastructure in three countries that have been the host for 13 different FIFA events, setting numerous records.
Still, FIFA’s unpredictability creates everlasting uncertainty.
A recent pro-Morocco tweet from ex-FIFA bad guy Sepp Blatter didn’t help matters.
Blatter’s sporadic social media post called Morocco a “logical” host in 2026. “It’s time for Africa again!” he added.
“I’m not sure what (he’s) basing all his references on,” Montopoli said of Blatter’s recent rant.
The perception right now is that the United Bid — with or without Vancouver — is in position to win. But allow Blatter’s sudden resurrection to serve as a reminder the U.S. thought it would be hosting the 2022 World Cup.
Then something sinister happened.
And Qatar swooped.