World Cup buzz arrives despite traffic and ticket concerns
As Vancouver hosts its first men's World Cup match Saturday, critics' complaints about costs and congestion may fade once the tournament kicks off.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
Vancouver and Toronto have faced significant pushback ahead of hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with complaints centered on high ticket prices, traffic closures, transit delays, and the mounting cost to taxpayers during economic strain.
Yet sports observers suggest the criticism may dissolve once matches begin. Simon Bennett, a sports anchor at 680 NewsRadio in Toronto, points to history: when the 2010 Winter Olympics approached Vancouver, residents voiced similar complaints. "Once they started, it was like, 'Ah! This is amazing,'" Bennett said. "I think we'll see that."
Tom Mayenknecht, host of Sportsnet 650 in Vancouver, echoes this sentiment. He characterizes the lead-up as dominated by "negative news" — the $729 million price tag, ticket costs, and displacement concerns — but predicts a shift. "That narrative will change, and some of the criticisms will be replaced by the beautiful game. The bigger the event, the more negative the storyline going in, but once the athletes start doing their stuff, it really changes."
BC Place will host seven World Cup matches through the tournament, which runs until July 19. The tournament's opening match is Saturday, June 13, in Canada.