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Soccer/football fans from across the globe will soon be making their way to Vancouver for the FIFA World Cup, and the action won’t just be on the field. Public plazas, extended patios, and some of the city’s best cafes, eateries, and bars will come alive during this time of year.
With so much happening all at once, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the options. So we’ve put together a list of all the official fan experiences, watch parties, and places to catch a match this summer.
Here’s where to enjoy FIFA World Cup games in and around Vancouver.
From June 11 to July 19, the PNE Grounds at Hastings Park will transform for the official FIFA Fan Festival, a free, accessible series of events dedicated to the most hyped football fans. Huge screens will display the FIFA World Cup matches throughout the park, immersing visitors in live music and entertainment from Canadian and global artists that only add to the watch party vibes.
There will be all kinds of interactive football activations and elevated food and drink options exclusive to the FIFA Fan Festival.
The current list of performers can be found online.
Launching on June 12 with the World Soccer Day Kick-Off Event at the Richmond Olympic Oval, this six-week program will feature free watch parties across the City of Richmond.
The kick-off event will be a day-long festival complete with a public barbecue, soccer activities for all ages, and of course, a live screening of the first Canada match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The festivities wrap on July 19 with the Signature Event at the Aberdeen Neighbourhood Park, where the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final will play out on the big screen. It’s set to be a huge celebration of the end of this iconic international event, with plenty of live performances, activations, and family-friendly activities to keep you going long after the world’s largest sporting event comes to a close.
Five blocks of Granville Street are also transforming for the World Cup. From June 11 to July 20, Granville Street between Georgia and Davie Streets will close to traffic and thrive as a vibrant pedestrian zone.
That means expanded patios, food vendors, live music, and some fun selfie stations to capture some memories before heading off to a match or viewing party.
Granville Island is going to be a hotspot for more than just Lee’s Donuts, craft beer, and the sprawling public market this summer. An official Fan Zone will be set up for the duration of the World Cup with a giant screen, added seating areas, food trucks, and a beer garden.
The Shipyards in North Vancouver is another prime spot for foodies and soccer fans alike to gather and enjoy an outdoor screening, and it doesn’t hurt that the plaza has one of the most iconic views of the city.
Throughout the World Cup, there will be watch parties and live entertainment, in addition to the artisanal shops at the Lonsdale Quay.
Over 100 live matches will be broadcast across three locations in Surrey: The Surrey Civic Plaza, Cloverdale Agriplex, and the South Surrey Athletic Park.
In addition to live matches, there will be Full Fan Zone Experiences on select game days with live entertainment, community exhibitors, food trucks, and a beer garden.
The City of Delta is setting up two spots to watch the World Cup unfold: one in Ladner Village at the new Chisholm Street Wharf, and another in North Delta inside the North Delta Recreation Centre.
At the Ladner Village Outdoor Fan Zone, you’ll find a lively street party atmosphere with big screens and food trucks. Indoors at the recreation centre, you’ll find live match projections, foosball, and various community activities.
No tickets are necessary to watch a match with your friends. Simply walk outside to any nearby cafe or bar, and chances are, if they have a screen, they’ll be featuring the World Cup matches.
There’s no place better to watch a match than in Vancouver’s “Little Italy.” You’ve got historic Italian cafes, lively pubs, and plenty of piazzas to enjoy a pint and cheer on your team.
And if you want to venture further out into East Vancouver, you’ll find a whole host of award-winning craft breweries.
A hub for the arts and inventive food and drink options, Mount Pleasant has tons to offer those seeking game-day viewings. Whether it’s a bar stool or booth seating, there’s a spot with your name on it here.
If beachy is more your vibe, the West End is an obvious choice for FIFA celebrations. There are plenty of sports bars and beachside patios to check out, as well as Vancouver’s iconic Davie Village, which houses some of the city’s best LGBTQIA+ nightlife, including Vancouver’s oldest gay bar.
At the heart of all the action, Yaletown should be your go-to if your goal is to get as close to the stadium as possible. Aside from being right next to BC Place, the seawall offers a bit of tranquillity in between matches, which will be screened at nearby restaurants and sports bars.
Stay tuned for more watch parties and screenings to come.
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