Vancouver marks a smooth start to its first FIFA World Cup match

6/16/2026

Vancouver FIFA World Cup match drew sold-out crowds and smooth transit across the city See how BC Place, police and TransLink handled a winning opening weekend

Vancouver had a successful opening to its first FIFA World Cup match over the weekend, with soldout crowds, lively fan support and strong transit usage across the city. BC Place was full, with 52,497 fans attending Saturday’s match between Australia and Türkiye. Vancouver police said they made two minor arrests and reported no major problems, while TransLink said it handled its busiest Saturday ridership for a BC Place event since the 2010 Olympics. The city also saw a lighter local update on Monday: the West End Business Improvement Association said a giant Team Canada jersey stolen from the Amazeing Laughter statues near English Bay had been recovered by a neighbourhood police officer after it was taken for a second time. A Team Egypt jersey was also vandalized.