Seven communities on Vancouver Island have received provincial funding to host public viewing events for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The funding, announced by the Government of British Columbia, is part of a $1.5 million investment to support over 50 free, public events across the province during the tournament.
The Island communities receiving the grants are Campbell River, Comox Valley, Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo, Port Alberni, Tofino, and Victoria. The funds are intended to help local organizations cover costs for venues, screens, and security to create accessible community gatherings.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be hosted across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Matches are scheduled to begin in June 2026, with several games to be played in Vancouver. The provincial government stated the initiative aims to boost local economies and foster community spirit.
The funding program is administered via the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. Local governments and not-for-profit organizations were eligible to apply for the grants to support their event planning.
