Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, FIFA vice-president Victor Montagliani, and other dignitaries unveiled a giant digital clock at Terry Fox Plaza outside B.C. Place on Wednesday afternoon. The countdown is ticking down to the start of the 2026 World Cup.
Local youth teams participated in a seven-a-side game coached by Canadian soccer veterans Tosaint Ricketts and Christine Sinclair, setting an energetic and positive tone for hosting the international sporting event.
Financial Concerns
Despite the excitement surrounding the event, a significant question remains: How much will taxpayers pay to host it? Mayor Sim compared the cost to "the equivalent" of 30 to 40 Super Bowls.
Cost Estimates
- The cost has doubled from initial estimates.
- Provinces are expected to contribute between $483 million (CAD$5 billion) and $581 million (CAD$6.2 billion).
- Cities are expected to pay at least $230 million each (approximately CAD$250 million).
B.C.’s Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport, Spencer Chandra Herbert, stated that a full costing report with revenue projections will be released closer to the end of June. He mentioned, "We’ll have a full costing where we’re at in terms of cost, in terms of revenue closer to end-of-June."
Toronto’s Financial Situation
Toronto has been more transparent with their financials, expecting to fall short by approximately $40 million on top of their ballooning budget, which is now estimated to exceed CAD$380 million. This is a significant increase from their initial estimate of under CAD$300 million, which doubled within months.
Mayor Sim faced repeated questions during a media availability about why Vancouver’s updated financials have not been shared yet. He explained that they are bound by confidentiality agreements but acknowledged that this is part of the process for hosting such a major event.
As the countdown continues, the anticipation builds, but so do the questions about the financial implications for the host cities.
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