Vancouver concluded its role as a World Cup host city on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, after Switzerland defeated Colombia at B.
C. Place stadium, according to CityNews Toronto and Global News.
The tournament drew massive celebrations across the city, prompting local officials to temporarily transform public spaces.
The Vancouver City Council extended the car-free entertainment zone on Granville Street until the end of summer due to the high volume of visitors.
Supporters and organizers praised the multicultural atmosphere generated by the international event. Fans packed local venues and public areas, including the FIFA Fan Festival, to support the teams.
"Seeing how all the different teams and countries just come together and celebrate together.
For example, if they play in the morning and one team wins, and then in the evening another team wins … everyone gets together, everyone’s celebrating, just sharing the cultures between everyone," said Rob Notenboom, president of the Voyageurs Canadian fan group.
Notenboom noted that the massive turnout created significant logistical excitement on local streets during matches.
"Having a pre-game that is so full you can barely move in the place that you booked, and then to go out on the street and see thousands and thousands and thousands of other people out on the street was flabbergasting," he added.
The tournament also drew positive reactions from international visitors and expatriates living in the region, who praised the host city's infrastructure and scenic environment.
An unnamed coach or official said, "It is a wonderful city and we have been very successful here with the triple win.
We’ve really enjoyed our stay in Vancouver. Obviously if you get to win it’s even better.
We were able to get to play against the host as well and two qualification matches.
The triple is now done and I really want to come back here with my family to spend some time and go on holiday in Vancouver."
Local residents noted that the international soccer event successfully expanded the sport's domestic popularity among Canadians who previously did not follow the game.
An unnamed resident said, "I think Vancouver’s the nicest city in the world.
I’m obviously biased, but I know people who have been here, I’ve talked to people visiting, and they love it.
So, I’m just happy to share Vancouver with people around the world, because it is a pretty sick place, and the whole tournament year has been unbelievable."
The influx of global soccer culture left a lasting impression on the community, creating anticipation for future international sports events in Canada.
"We built a new fan base for sure.
Just friends of ours who have never really watched soccer before at all, saying how much they love the World Cup.
I think just by Canada hosting, it is going to build so many more fans and actually more soccer players out of this season," said an unnamed supporter.
The conclusion of the tournament matches in Vancouver marks the end of a historic sports chapter for British Columbia.
"I’m gonna miss the World Cup.
I really love watching all the games, and I don’t know when is the next time we’re gonna have it so close," said Carlos Meza, a Colombia native living in Victoria.
