Draw signals 'starting gun' for 2026 World Cup preparations in Vancouver
The initial prominent Canadian appearance at the 2026 World Cup event did not proceed without hitches: ice hockey icon Wayne Gretzky stumbled over pronunciations of various nation names in the competition draw, such as Jordan, leading to extensive mockery.
However after the ceremony concluded, it seemed as if the starters pistol had fired, kicking off the rush towards the competition, according to Jessie Adcock, the person spearheading the organisation in Vancouver.
In contrast to Toronto, Vancouvers fellow Canadian host, the city has previously hosted an Olympic event, yet the World Cup remains a debut for the nation.
Vancouvers allocation of seven fixtures will occur at the upgraded BC Place, a distinctive venue among the 16 selected for the tournament, Adcock explained to AFP.
It stands out as one of the limited city centre stadiums in this World Cup, she noted. Positioned right in the core of our downtown area.
Challenges like homelessness and drug dependency are particularly severe in Vancouver, especially around the Downtown Eastside area close to BC Place.
FIFA enforces rigorous clean zone protocols around World Cup sites, and worries have emerged regarding potential involuntary relocations.
We recognise that the municipal FIFA agreement obliges the city to implement measures to enhance the appearance of the city and the designated controlled zones, Laura Macintyre, an attorney and advocate with Vancouvers Pivot Legal Society, informed AFP.
Street clearances occur almost daily already, she added, noting that Vancouvers pledges to FIFA provide a handy excuse to escalate and heighten the uprooting efforts.
Adcock asserted that Vancouver has no intentions whatsoever of relocating any at risk groups, and it will unveil a human rights strategy plan tied to its FIFA responsibilities.
Gong show
BC Place was also the site for the concluding shows of Taylor Swifts Eras tour.
Accommodation costs surged by a factor of six during Swifts visit in December 2024, which certain analysts believe highlighted Vancouvers ongoing lack of sufficient hotel rooms, a problem yet to be resolved.
Vancouver real estate developer Stanley Dee, involved in the tourism industry, expressed to AFP his fears that the citys image could be tarnished if soccer supporters struggle to secure lodging.
If it ends up being a total mess, we might face challenges in drawing similar events moving forward, Dee remarked.
Adcock indicated that expanding hotel capacity is a key focus for Vancouver, and the World Cup requirements could be satisfied through listings on platforms such as Airbnb.
She further mentioned that the nations assigned to compete in Vancouver offer promising prospects for visitor numbers.
Supporters fond of outdoor pursuits from Australia, New Zealand, and Switzerland, all scheduled for games at BC Place, could be particularly thrilled by the alpine attractions nearby, including Whistler, Adcock suggested.
Hosting not 'intelligent'
Vancouvers organisation drive is not grappling with major financial ambiguity, thanks to solid assurances from the British Columbia regional authority.
Yet in Toronto, where provincial and municipal leaders continue to negotiate funding, certain voices have already branded the hosting choice as erroneous.
I anticipate considerable festivities, Toronto city councillor Josh Matlow shared with AFP.
Nevertheless, was it a wise move for the city to commit to hosting? I would argue no.
Matlow pointed out that crucial agreements, such as those for security, are still pending due to unresolved budget details.
Its unclear how many enterprises, let alone households, would shoulder such expenses without knowing if they can truly afford them, Matlow commented.
I do not wish for the city to finance this via credit.
Gretzkys involvement in the World Cup draw might have concluded, but the derisive press that ensued represented yet another setback for the four time Stanley Cup champion, who has faced broad censure in Canada for his alleged ties to US President Donald Trump.
They are not all familiar names, I concede, prominent sports writer Cathal Kelly penned in the Globe and Mail, alluding to the nations Gretzky mishandled, encompassing North Macedonia and Curacao.
However if I were to utter them publicly before potentially a billion spectators, I might have bothered to rehearse. Apparently our fellow Wayne relies more on natural flair.