VANCOUVER –  

Summary

• As many as 350 tickets will be provided through the BC Place Community Benefit Program
• These tickets give children and youth a chance to share in the excitement, reducing barriers, strengthening inclusion and creating meaningful experiences
• Organizations that serve children and youth facing barriers to access can apply for 10 tickets per organization to attend either the June 21 or June 26 match at BC Place Vancouver

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Non-profit organizations that support children and youth facing barriers to access will have the chance to attend a FIFA World Cup 2026 match through the BC Place Community Benefit Program.

“Hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 is an unprecedented opportunity for British Columbia and we want to ensure that everyone has the chance to participate and enjoy the tournament in some way,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “We are pleased to support the Community Benefit Program, so children and youth facing barriers can experience this once-in-a-generation event that will live on in their memories for years to come.”

As many as 350 tickets for the June 21 and June 26 matches will be available through the BC Place Community Benefit Program, which is designed to create meaningful and inclusive opportunities for community organizations in B.C.

BC Place Community Benefit Program

BC Place Community Benefit Program supports community organizations by donating tickets for events at BC Place Vancouver. Building on the success of this program, the Province, PavCo and City of Vancouver are co-ordinating a special draw for non-profit organizations and charities to receive a donation of tickets for children and youth facing barriers to access to attend a FIFA World Cup 2026 match at BC Place Vancouver.

The tickets have been bought by the City of Vancouver and have been specifically allocated for this program.  

World Cup boosts sport participation for kids

The program advances the Province’s commitment that every child deserves the chance to be active and enjoy the physical and mental-health benefits that sport offers, regardless of their background or ability. Sport participation is especially important for young people, as it helps build strength, improve mental health, boost confidence and foster leadership and teamwork. 

The Province, in partnership with PavCo and the City of Vancouver, is working to ensure children and youth facing barriers to access in British Columbia can participate in and feel the lasting social benefits of hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026. Providing access to these tickets will enable children and youth to take part in the festivities and celebrations in ways that may have otherwise been inaccessible to them.  

Launching the ticket donation program

Applications will be accepted starting Thursday, May 14 through Friday, May 22, 2026. Eligible organizations include B.C.-based registered charities, not-for-profit organizations and Indigenous community organizations that support children and youth, such as those who are:

• seeking mental-health support
• supported through social services
• newcomers to B.C.
• facing affordability barriers to sport participation

Successful organizations will be determined through a draw. Tickets from this program must be distributed to children and youth, and cannot be sold or raffled for fundraising purposes. PavCo will co-ordinate the online application process. Successful organizations will be notified starting Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

This initiative is part of ongoing work being done by the Province, PavCo and City of Vancouver to ensure benefits from hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 are felt throughout B.C.

Quotes:

Rehana Din, president and CEO, PavCo –

“At PavCo, we are committed to ensuring the benefits of FIFA World Cup 2026 Vancouver extend far beyond our stadium, reaching community members across British Columbia. Through our existing BC Place Community Benefit Program, this special donation initiative will create meaningful opportunities for children and youth to experience the excitement of this historic event and feel part of its enduring legacy.”  

Jessie Adcock, host city committee lead and chief delivery officer –

“Sport has a unique ability to bring people together and create shared moments of connection, from mornings on the field to watching games with family and friends. It transcends communities and cultures. The FIFA World Cup 2026 is an opportunity to harness that power here in B.C. and removing participation barriers ensures everyone can be part of this unforgettable experience and the beautiful game.”

Quick Facts:

• In 2025, the BC Place Community Benefit Program supported local organizations and non-profit organizations by providing more than 2,500 ticket donations.
• The Province is improving sport access by leveraging opportunities from the FIFA World Cup 2026 through programs such as the $13-million Mini Peaks Legacy Program for as many as 20 mini pitches throughout B.C.
• The Province’s Community Event Support Fund is providing $1.7 million to 32 communities in B.C. to host free public events during the FIFA World Cup 2026 to ensure more people can participate in the festivities.

Learn More:

• To learn more about PavCo’s Community Benefit Program, visit: https://www.bcplace.com/community-benefit-program/
• Learn about the Province’s Look West strategy to strengthen the economy through the FIFA World Cup 2026: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/look-west-strategy
• To learn more about the Community Event Support Fund and community-led FIFA celebrations, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026TACS0020-000332
• To learn more about the Mini Peaks Legacy Program, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026TACS0016-000285
• Learn about other ways the Province is supporting people and families: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/home/benefits