Soccer fans gather on the grounds of the legislature to take part in the FIFA World Cup 2026 countdown celebration event in Victoria on March 31.CHAD HIPOLITO/The Canadian Press
While the world stopped to watch as bombs fell in the Middle East, FIFA’s World Cup machine kept rolling.
“I’ve said this before, the world doesn’t stop for a World Cup and neither does the football,” said Victor Montagliani, a Vancouver native who doubles as CONCACAF president and FIFA vice-president.
“We have to deal with whatever situations arise and we’ve done that in every World Cup before. We’ll probably have to do it in every World Cup moving forward … We have our systems to ensure that it’s a great tournament, a safe tournament and everybody can enjoy themselves when they’re here, whether they’re playing or not.”
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The expanded 48-team men’s showcase, which runs June 11 to July 19 across Canada, Mexico and the U.S., is FIFA’s cash cow. There are billions of reasons for the world governing body of soccer to stay on track.
In its revised 2023-26 budget, FIFA forecast record revenue of US$13-billion, largely due to the expansion of the 2026 World Cup (up from 32 teams), the 2023 Women’s World Cup (32 teams, up from 24) and a revamped FIFA Club World Cup (32 teams).
The revised revenue represents an increase of 72 per cent over the previous budget cycle.
FIFA says it will reinvest more than 90 per cent of “its budgeted investments back in the game to significantly boost global football development.”
Record revenue of US$14-billion is predicted for FIFA’s 2027-2030 budget cycle.
Chief Operating Officer Canada for FIFA Peter Montopoli is joined by mascots from left to right: Maple, Zayu and Clutch.CHAD HIPOLITO/The Canadian Press
Bumper World Cup ticket sales have helped fuel FIFA’s coffers. Fans, meanwhile, have been frustrated by their cost – if they’re lucky enough to get them through a series of lotteries.
In the meantime, Montagliani notes World Cup preparations are proceeding as planned, saying, “we’re on track for everything and we’ll be ready to go come June 11.”
“Obviously there are some venues that are a little ahead of others in terms of certain areas, maybe. But right now, the turning over of the pitches [to natural grass] is starting to happen, so that’s the big thing coming up here this month.”
Installing natural grass in BC Place Stadium will start immediately after the Whitecaps’ April 25 home game against the Colorado Rapids.
Montagliani, for one, hopes the grass will stay.
“The [artificial] turf has got a lot better over the years. [But] our sport is meant to be played on grass, so I would love to see it [stay]. But I didn’t know if the government that runs the facility [the venue is owned and operated by the BC Pavilion Corporation, a crown corporation] has made that decision yet.
“If I was a betting man, [I’d say] probably not, in light, I guess, of the multi-usage of it.”
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Toronto FC’s May 9 game against Inter Miami will serve as a test event for the BMO Field renovations, with the temporary seats installed for the World Cup to open for Lionel Messi’s visit.
BMO Field will be handed over to FIFA on May 13 with BC Place to follow between May 13 and 15.
“We’re not going to have any issues from the stadium perspective in terms of getting the stadiums ready,” said Peter Montopoli, chief tournament officer for the Canadian end of the competition.
The 48-team men’s showcase runs June 11 to July 19 across Canada, Mexico and the U.S.CHAD HIPOLITO/The Canadian Press
Montagliani says FIFA is also working with member associations for teams competing at the World Cup to ensure an even playing field when it comes to tax burdens in the three co-host countries.
Canada has existing treaties with many countries regarding reciprocal tax provisions, meaning tax taken here is refunded back home or not taken at all.
“The countries that don’t have a tax treaty with the U.S. and Canada, we are helping facilitate a process where they can apply for that sort of same treatment,” said Montagliani.
Australia, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Egypt, Germany, Ghana, Iraq, Ivory Coast, New Zealand, Panama, Qatar, Senegal, Switzerland and Turkey are playing games in Canada.
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Several European teams have reportedly asked UEFA to lobby FIFA about the high costs of taking part in the tournament. Participating sides each get US$1.5-million in preparation money, with prize money ranging from US$9-million to teams failing to survive the group stage to US$50-million for the winner.
On Wednesday, the Canadian World Cup organizers announced “Canada Celebrates the FIFA World Cup 2026,” a free travelling fan fest that will make 38 stops across 34 communities.
The tour – featuring live match viewing, cultural programming, music, food and “moments of national pride” – will run throughout the World Cup with pre-tournament events on June 1 and June 5 as well as appearances for the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour.
The travelling show, part of Canada’s original tournament bid, is a first, according to Montagliani.
“It’s something that has gone over very well, even at FIFA,” he added. “And it’s something I think we’re going to take moving forward to other World Cups … The World Cup sort of permeates every hamlet of every country. So this is a great way to spread the love of what the World Cup is to all the communities outside the host cities.”
The travelling fan fest was tested last week in Victoria on the grounds of the provincial legislature.
Canada Celebrates community stops
June 1: Mount Pearl, Nfld.
June 5: Whitehorse, Yukon.
June 11-12: Fort St. John, B.C., and Halifax.
June 15: Charlottetown, PEI and Prince George, B.C.
June 18: Moncton, N.B., and Kamloops, B.C.
June 20: Salmon Arm, B.C.
June 21: Quebec City.
June 22: Revelstoke, B.C.
June 24: Nelson, B.C.
June 27: Kingston, Ont., and Cranbrook. B.C.
July 1: Mississauga and Edmonton.
July 4: London, Ont., and Saskatoon.
July 7: Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and Kenora, Ont.
July 9: Burlington, Ont.
July 11: Waterloo Region and North Bay, Ont.
July 15: Windsor, Ont., and Vaughan, Ont.
July 18-19: Niagara Falls, Ont., and Brampton, Ont.