How Vancouver is welcoming the world during FIFA World Cup

Special Report by Luke Barras-Hill

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is ready to “welcome the world” for the 2026 FIFA World Cup taking place across North America from June 11 – July 19, an event for which it has been preparing for the past four years, according to Benedict Ma, Director, Passenger Retail Experience at Canada’s flagship West Coast gateway.

Speaking exclusively with journalist Luke Barras-Hill for Travel Markets Insider, Ma says that preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 began in June 2022, following the announcement of host cities. “We assembled a dedicated cross-functional team with experts in facilitation, emergency management, baggage, maintenance, communications, and more, who are working alongside federal agencies operating at YVR and external partners such as the Vancouver Host Committee to plan for this global event,” he says.

From a logistical point of view, YVR’s tournament support operations include a 24/7 FIFA coordination desk, fully staffed customer care and volunteer teams, multilingual support, and increased flight numbers throughout the period.

“YVR has integrated industry-leading technology into our operations from curb to cloud, with upgrades to security screening, boarding processes, and baggage systems ensuring a smooth travel experience for passengers during this busy time,” says Ma.

YVR is well prepared for such a major event.

“Our proven expertise in managing increased passenger traffic during experiences such as the 2025 Grey Cup, the recent Taylor Swift concerts, and Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, position us well to support Vancouver in hosting another world-class occasion,” Ma stresses.

YVR expects a big boost to commercial revenues from the event and has planned numerous customer-centered activities to keep travelers through the airport entertained.

“We’re building on the momentum of the tournament with some fun, tournament-inspired moments. This includes a FIFA-themed pop-up retail space, (which opened May 15) and official merchandise available across multiple retailers throughout the terminal.

“With around 90,000 passengers moving through YVR each day of the tournament, the World Cup is a huge opportunity for us. Big events like this naturally bring a buzz to the terminal, and we expect to see that translate into more discovery of local, luxury and FIFA offerings as people lean into their summer travel experience,” says Ma.

The FIFA World Cup comes at a time when YVR is refreshing and reinvigorating its already strong food and beverage program, which highlights the rich culinary offerings of British Columbia.

The airport recently brought in a mix of local favorites and new concepts, along with expanded duty free and luxury retail, says Ma.

“On June 12 we welcomed Lucky Lily by Chef Nicole Gomes to YVR, and we are excited to be adding another fresh food & beverage option for travelers.

“We’re really leaning into the energy of the World Cup and creating moments throughout the terminal for fans to engage with. As the first and last impression of our city and region, we are looking forward to delivering a seamless passenger experience. Together, alongside Musqueam Indian Band, we will harness the energy of this historic event to inspire our teams, engage our community, and create a lasting legacy,” he notes.

Throughout the terminal, YVR has opened FIFA-themed pop-ups featuring official merchandise, along with World Cup product available across a number of its retail partners.

“So whether you’re looking for a jersey, a souvenir, or something last-minute, there will be plenty of options.”

Beyond retail, Ma adds that travelers can experience in-terminal activations, and catch the football action live, with games available for viewing in select hold rooms and dining areas.

“Many of our restaurants and cafés are screening matches, adding to that shared, game-day atmosphere. Overall, it’s about creating a sense of excitement and making sure that even if you’re just passing through this summer, you still feel part of the World Cup experience,” says Ma.

Outside the terminal, YVR has coordinated with organizations across the region that are involved with delivering the tournament to Vancouver.

Global passenger mix

The airport management is looking forward to welcoming a diverse group of passengers to the region, both those attending the games in Vancouver and those passing through, since YVR has direct access to 13 of the 16 FIFA World Cup host cities.

“From a domestic perspective, we’ll continue to see strong traffic from cities like Calgary, Toronto and Montréal. Internationally, YVR remains well connected to major destinations, with continued strength across Asia, including China, Seoul, Tokyo and Manila, as well as Europe, with key connections through London, Frankfurt and Amsterdam.

“We also expect arrivals from Latin America, including Mexico City. We’re continuing to work closely with our internal teams and FIFA program partners to refine projections, but overall, it’s shaping up to be a very diverse passenger group, which is exactly what makes events like this so exciting.”

Click here to view more details and video: https://news.yvr.ca/fifa-world-cup-26/