Beyond the Big Cities: The Unscored Goal for BC's FIFA 2026 Legacy

​Beyond the Big Cities: The Unscored Goal for BC's FIFA 2026 Legacy

​The FIFA World Cup 2026 is hailed as a financial windfall, but for British Columbia, the strategic play is currently afoot in only two cities: Vancouver and Toronto. While millions are being poured into BC Place, a glaring opportunity remains on the sidelines—a strategic fumble that could cost the province a significant return on its investment.

​The conversation has been almost exclusively about the host cities. Vancouver is committing to an estimated $532-642 million, with the federal government chipping in over $100 million. This is not a small sum, and the ROI is projected to be in the billions of dollars for the province. But for who? The answer, at this point, appears to be almost exclusively for Vancouver.

​This narrow focus overlooks the most potent tool for equitable and lasting growth: the Team Base Camp (TBC).

​A Tale of Two TBCs: Port Alberni and Langford's Unanswered Call

​While the U.S. has already filled its FIFA brochure with TBCs spread across numerous communities, Canada's list remains largely empty outside of its host cities. Yet, on Vancouver Island, two communities have shown the very initiative the government claims to support. Port Alberni and Langford have not only submitted bids but have done so with overwhelming community support.

• ​Port Alberni: With its existing natural-grass pitch at Bob Daily Stadium, the community has taken the lead, backed by its local organizing committee, municipality, and regional district. They are ready to welcome a global team, and their bid is a testament to grassroots passion and a clear vision for their place in the global spectacle.
• ​Langford: Despite facing the significant cost of converting its artificial turf at Starlight Stadium to natural grass (estimated at around $1 million), the community is determined. This is a hurdle, not a roadblock, and it demonstrates a deep commitment to making the World Cup a local reality.

​But in the face of this local passion and proactive engagement, where is the provincial and federal support? The answer, so far, is a resounding silence.

​The Elephant in the Budget: A Vision Issue, Not a Fiscal One

​The BC government's reluctance to fund TBCs in these smaller communities is directly linked to the burgeoning costs of hosting in Vancouver. The government's official stance is that it is being fiscally prudent. Yet, this myopic view on spending is a classic case of being penny-wise and pound-foolish. The investment in Vancouver's host duties is massive, but it is concentrated. A single TBC, on the other hand, can act as a catalyst for a smaller community, bringing in a concentrated influx of international media, fans, and a global spotlight that can ignite the local economy for years to come.

​While the government hopes for "economic spinoffs," a TBC is not a passive event; it is a direct investment in a community's future. The training facilities and infrastructure upgrades become a lasting legacy for local sports, inspiring a new generation. The media exposure and tourist influx for even just a few weeks can put a town on the map for good.

​The USA's strategy is clear: spread the wealth. By including TBCs in non-host cities, they are ensuring the tournament's ROI is not confined to a few urban centers. This is a masterclass in strategic distribution of growth. Canada, on the other hand, seems content with a centralized model, leaving smaller communities to fend for themselves despite their willingness to shoulder the responsibility.

​The FIFA World Cup is more than a sporting event; it's a nation-building opportunity. For British Columbia, it is time to look beyond the massive investment in Vancouver and recognize the true vision for growth lies in supporting the communities that are ready to step up and make the entire province a part of the game.