Vancouver Named Best City for Fan Experience at World Cup, to Host 7 Matches

(Central News Agency, Vancouver, 11th – Special Dispatch) With the 2026 FIFA World Cup about to kick off, Vancouver, one of the host cities, has been selected as the best city for fan experience. The city is already brimming with excitement, and the Latin American community has set up a special fan zone, with everyone eagerly awaiting the first match in Vancouver on the 13th.

This World Cup is the first to be jointly hosted by three North American countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. 48 teams will compete in stadiums across 16 cities. Vancouver will host a total of 7 matches, more than Toronto's 6.

According to a recent survey by Action Network, Vancouver ranked first in fan experience among the 16 host cities.

The city is now charged with football fever. Near the match venue, BC Place, FIFA flags and advertisements for star players are ubiquitous. The nearby Vancouver Science World has transformed its iconic spherical building into a giant soccer ball. To the north, on Grouse Mountain, a massive Canadian flag, aiming for a Guinness World Record, has been unfurled on the mountainside.

Vancouver resident Michelle said, "The last time I remember the city being this full of passion and joy was when we hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics. I never imagined we would host the World Cup in 2026. I'm so happy. The whole city has been transformed; it's full of excitement everywhere."

Vancouver is home to approximately 60,000 residents of Latin American descent, and soccer is a beloved sport in their culture. To welcome the FIFA event, the Latin American community has expanded its annual Carnaval del Sol, held every July in Jonathan Rogers Park.

Carnaval del Sol is the largest Latin American festival in the Pacific Northwest, a platform for music, dance, traditions, and cuisine. Event director Paola Murillo said, "This year coincides with the World Cup, so we've made it especially grand. It's a three-day carnival featuring 350 artists, blending football culture to create the ultimate Latin American summer festival."

Murillo added, "Since the World Cup lasts over a month, we wanted to unite and sustain the fans' passion. So we've opened a special fan zone in the downtown Gastown district, featuring music, dance, food, and drinks. Everyone is welcome to watch the games, cheer, and feel the excitement together. We're cheering for all Latin American countries, from Mexico to Argentina. We're very excited that Messi will be playing, along with many other great players."

Valeria, a Mexican-Canadian Vancouver resident, enjoyed the music and dance at the fan zone. She said, "The atmosphere for watching games here is great. Everyone can cheer for their favorite team." Although she was wearing a Mexico jersey, she said she would cheer for both Mexico and Canada.

The World Cup is not just about food and fun; it's also a powerful motivator for children who love soccer. At many sports fields across the city, coaches can be seen training young soccer stars.

Alexa Loo, a Canadian skier who competed in the 2006 and 2010 Winter Olympics, said, "Hosting the World Cup is a great opportunity to encourage young children to love sports even more. When you see world-class players perform, it makes you want to be better yourself." (Editor: Zhang Zhixuan) 1150611