Excitement is building among foreign residents in Vancouver and Toronto as the two cities prepare to welcome various national teams for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. The tournament’s complete schedule, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches, was unveiled in Washington D.C. Canada will host a total of 13 games, with seven matches taking place in Vancouver and six in Toronto.
In Vancouver, Hany Elheniedy, expressing his anticipation, emphasized the deep-rooted passion for soccer among Egyptians. He eagerly awaits June 21, 2026, when B.C. Place in Vancouver will witness the clash between Egypt and New Zealand as part of the prestigious event. The game between the Pharaohs and the All-White team is one of the seven matches, including two knockout fixtures, that Vancouver will host.
As the president of the Egyptian Canadian Cultural Society of B.C., Elheniedy predicts a significant impact from Egypt’s team, led by the renowned Mo Salah, on Greater Vancouver and its sizable Egyptian community of around 5,000. He has secured tickets for Egypt’s other group-stage matches in nearby Seattle against Belgium and Iran, anticipating a strong turnout of Egyptian supporters at B.C. Place.
B.C. Place will also witness Canada’s national team in action, facing Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24, following their opening match in Toronto against a European opponent, potentially Italy. The first match at B.C. Place is set for June 13, featuring Australia against a European team yet to be determined. Vancouver fans will have another opportunity to see New Zealand take on Belgium, led by the talented Kevin de Bruyne, on June 26.
The opponents for the two knockout matches to be hosted at B.C. Place are yet to be determined, adding to the anticipation surrounding the event.
In Toronto, Jasper Sauerland, originally from Germany, highlighted the excitement of witnessing Germany playing against Ivory Coast at BMO Field on June 20. Having moved to Toronto in 2021 for university, Sauerland emphasized the importance of soccer in connecting him to his homeland. He looks forward to experiencing a piece of home in Canada as German fans are expected to flock to Toronto for the World Cup matches, creating a vibrant atmosphere in the city.
For Sauerland, attending the match is a dream, although he is open to enjoying the game at a pub with friends due to the high ticket prices. He humorously mentioned converting his Canadian girlfriend into a fan of the German national team, showcasing the sport’s unifying power.
Apart from Germany, Toronto fans can also witness Croatia, Senegal, Ghana, and Panama in action during the tournament. The anticipation is high as the cities gear up to host this global sporting extravaganza.