Foreign nationals residing in Vancouver and Toronto are thrilled as the two cities prepare to welcome various national teams for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. The complete schedule for the expanded tournament featuring 48 teams and 104 games was revealed in Washington D.C. on Saturday, with Canada set to host 13 matches, seven in Vancouver and six in Toronto.
Hany Elheniedy, expressing his anticipation, emphasized the strong passion for soccer among Egyptians and eagerly awaits the clash between Egypt and New Zealand at Vancouver’s B.C. Place on June 21, 2026. This encounter is part of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, with Vancouver scheduled to host seven games, including two knockout matches, as per the recently disclosed full schedule.
Elheniedy, the president of the Egyptian Canadian Cultural Society of B.C., foresees a significant impact from the Egyptian team, led by the renowned Liverpool forward Mo Salah, on the Greater Vancouver area and its Egyptian community of approximately 5,000 individuals. He has already secured tickets for Egypt’s other group-stage fixtures in Seattle, against Belgium and Iran, expressing confidence in filling half of B.C. Place with enthusiastic Egyptian supporters.
B.C. Place will witness Canada’s national team in action on June 18 against Qatar and on June 24 against Switzerland, following their initial game in Toronto on June 12 against a European opponent, potentially Italy. The tournament’s first game at B.C. Place is scheduled for June 13, featuring Australia against a yet-to-be-decided European rival.
In Vancouver, fans will have the opportunity to watch New Zealand once more on June 26 as they face Belgium and the talented Kevin de Bruyne. The participants for the two knockout matches at B.C. Place are yet to be determined.
Moving to Toronto, Jasper Sauerland, originally from Germany and currently residing in the city since 2021 for university studies, expressed his excitement upon learning that Germany is set to play against Ivory Coast at BMO Field on June 20. Soccer holds a significant place in Toronto’s culture for Sauerland, serving as a comforting link to his homeland since his move to Canada.
Anticipating the influx of German fans to Toronto for the World Cup, Sauerland stated that the city would be bustling with national pride during the matches. He highlighted the significance of having a piece of home brought to Canada, emphasizing the excitement of the German community’s representation at the event.
Despite high ticket costs, Sauerland hopes to attend the match, but is content with enjoying the game at a local pub over a couple of beers if necessary. He humorously noted his success in converting his Canadian girlfriend into a fan of the German national team through their shared soccer experiences.
Toronto spectators can also catch glimpses of Croatia, Senegal, Ghana, and Panama during the tournament.