Fort St. John secures $50K grant to host FIFA World Cup events

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — FIFA World Cup celebrations will be coming to Fort St. John this year.

The City of Fort St. John is being given $50,000 from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport to host local events which the province says will “celebrate the unifying power of sport.”

In a press release, the ministry announced 32 municipalities, regional districts and First Nations will receive a combined $1.7 million in funding to support the planning, promotion and safe delivery of soccer-themed events that foster community pride, cultural expression and benefit local businesses. 

The funding for these events is provided by the 2026 Community Event Support Fund. 

Anne Kang, minister of tourism, arts, culture and sport, says the funding is about ensuring British Columbians can enjoy the World Cup locally. 

“Hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 is an incredible opportunity for people in British Columbia to come together and celebrate the beautiful game,” said Kang.

“We want people to feel the excitement of the world’s largest single-sport event throughout the province. This is about ensuring everyone can share in the energy and social benefits of the FIFA World Cup right in their own backyard.”

According to the release, funded events will take place during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which runs from June 11th, 2026 until July 19th, 2026.

When asked about the specific events the city will be hosting, City of Fort St. John communications manager Ryan Harvey said the city has not yet decided, but it hopes to have more information in the coming weeks. 

The ministry says the 32 funded events will deliver a combined 333 days of events, while reaching an estimated attendance of one million people.

Canada’s first game of the tournament is scheduled for June 12th, 2026, although their opponent is yet to be determined. 

Toronto and Vancouver will be hosting 13 matches during the World Cup, while the remaining matches will be played in the United States and Mexico.