By Zara Durrani
For a few unforgettable weeks, Vancouver wasn’t simply hosting the FIFA World Cup; it became part of its story.
The city’s streets came alive with supporters draped in national colors, chants echoed through downtown, and BC Place welcomed fans from around the globe for seven FIFA World Cup 2026 matches. Whether gathering inside the stadium, at the fan festival, or at viewing parties throughout the city, people from different countries and cultures came together through a shared love of the beautiful game.
As I covered the tournament for my Road to FIFA series, I attended several matches, including Colombia versus Switzerland and Switzerland versus Algeria, and spoke with players, supporters and football legends.
What stood out wasn’t just the action on the pitch; it was the people. Fans had traveled thousands of kilometers, following their national teams from city to city and country to country. Witnessing that level of dedication and passion firsthand was truly remarkable.
Long before the opening whistle, excitement was building across Vancouver. The city was named by Sports Illustrated as the top-ranked FIFA World Cup host city, celebrated for its walkability, vibrant downtown, accessibility, and breathtaking natural beauty. It was an opportunity for Vancouver to showcase itself on the world stage while welcoming visitors from every corner of the globe.
At the start of the tournament, I sat down with former Canadian national team striker Toussaint Ricketts, who confidently predicted that Canada would surprise the world. His words proved prophetic. Team Canada captured the attention of football fans everywhere with its fearless performances, determination, and belief, inspiring a nation and demonstrating how far Canadian soccer has come.
Another group whose passion left a lasting impression was the Voyageurs, Canada’s official supporters’ group. I spoke with members who had traveled to Los Angeles and across North America to cheer on Team Canada. Their unwavering dedication reflected years of supporting Canadian soccer through every high and low, and their energy became an unforgettable part of the World Cup atmosphere.
Vancouver FC’s Benjamin Fisk shared how surreal it was to see football’s biggest tournament arrive in his hometown, admitting he never imagined, even in his wildest dreams, that Vancouver would one day host the FIFA World Cup. His words reflected what many local players and fans felt as they witnessed a once-in-a-generation moment for Canadian soccer.
Former Vancouver Whitecaps captain and FIFA World Cup defender Jay DeMerit also reflected on the importance of bringing the tournament to Vancouver.
Having experienced the World Cup as a player, he spoke about the passion and culture that make football unlike any other sport, and about how special it was to witness that same energy embraced by this city. Everywhere you looked, there was a sense that Vancouver had become part of the global football family.
What I will remember most, however, are the people. Families creating lifelong memories together. Children waving flags with pride. Supporters from rival nations sharing laughs before kickoff and celebrating the game together after the final whistle. Football has a unique ability to connect people across languages, cultures, and borders, and nowhere was that more evident than in Vancouver this summer.
The FIFA World Cup left behind more than just memorable matches. It inspired young athletes, elevated Canada’s standing on the international football stage, and showcased Vancouver as a welcoming, world-class destination capable of hosting one of the planet’s biggest sporting events.
Covering the tournament was an incredible privilege. Beyond the goals and final scores, it was the stories, the people, and the shared moments of joy that made this summer unforgettable. The beautiful game came to Vancouver, and its legacy will endure for years to come.
Source: Drishti Magazine, South Asian Lifestyle Magazine — July/August 2026
