ROOTED IN RESPECT: An Indigenous Welcome to FIFA World Cup 2026™
Opportunities for First Nations Communities and Indigenous Tourism Businesses
As Vancouver prepares to host the FIFA World Cup 2026™, the world’s attention turns to the unceded territories of the three Host Nations: xʷməθkʷəyəm (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh).
With seven official matches taking place in Vancouver, FIFA World Cup 2026™ offers a globally significant moment to centre First Nations voices, cultures, and stewardship. While the matches will be played in Vancouver, the opportunities created by this event extend across British Columbia.
Indigenous tourism businesses and First Nations communities across BC are invited to take part in one of the world’s most significant global events. As the largest single sporting event in the world, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ offers opportunities to:
- Share Indigenous cultures, histories, and perspectives with an international audience
- Welcome visitors to Indigenous-led tourism experiences across the province
- Support long-term economic and cultural benefits for Indigenous communities
Indigenous Tourism BC is committed to supporting Indigenous tourism businesses and communities in a good way.
This dedicated page will be updated as opportunities arise and outlines how ITBC is promoting Indigenous tourism while supporting businesses to prepare for and capture the global attention generated by FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Scroll on to check out updates, opportunities, tools, and ways to get involved >>
Webinar: How Indigenous Tourism Businesses Can Benefit from FIFA World Cup 2026™
Maya Lang, Vice President of Global Marketing at Destination BC (DBC), and Paula Amos, Chief Marketing & Development Officer at ITBC, led an engaging and informative webinar highlighting the significant opportunities that the FIFA World Cup 2026 presents for Indigenous tourism businesses and communities across British Columbia.
The session explored how Indigenous operators can prepare for and benefit from the global spotlight leading up to the tournament, strategies to attract international visitors during the event, and ways to sustain tourism growth and partnerships long after the World Cup concludes. Participants also gained insights into marketing approaches, collaboration opportunities, and how Indigenous tourism experiences can play a meaningful role in welcoming visitors to the province.
Access the latest updates, resources, and practical guidance related to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Vancouver.
This site provides information on the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Vancouver playbook, including key updates, planning resources, and insights to help Indigenous tourism businesses and communities across British Columbia prepare for and take advantage of opportunities before, during, and after the tournament.
Destination BC FIFA World Cup 2026™ Playbook
Destination BC (DBC) has developed a dedicated FIFA World Cup 2026™ resource for the tourism industry, offering deeper insights into target markets and related opportunities, as well as logistical information, including the Vancouver match line-up. The page also includes a comprehensive playbook that outlines how businesses can engage with the event, make the most of available opportunities, and follow brand compliance guidelines.
Taste the Beautiful Game – BC Style
For more information about the BC Restaurant and Food Services Association and its province-wide initiative “Taste the Beautiful Game – BC Style,” visit the resource below.
The program supports restaurants and hospitality businesses across British Columbia in preparing for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Vancouver by providing marketing toolkits, watch-party guidance, and opportunities to showcase BC-grown food and beverages to visitors from around the world.