Excitement, disappointment in B.C. as North America announced World Cup host
VANCOUVER — When World Cup soccer comes to North America, Vancouver will be on the sidelines, creating mixed feelings for leaders in sports, business and politics.
Soccer’s international governing body has approved Canada, Mexico and the U.S. as joint hosts of the 2026 tournament, and Toronto, Montreal and Edmonton are all candidates for where games could be played.
Vancouver was also on the initial list, but the British Columbia government withdrew its support in March after it couldn’t come to an agreement with FIFA on how much hosting would cost.
B.C. Premier John Horgan said Wednesday that having the tournament in North America will be great, but he doesn’t regret his government’s decision.