I stepped inside BC Place for the FIFA World Cup: Here’s what I learned

Article content

As a somewhat soccer fan married to the world’s biggest soccer supporter, I knew I had to get to a FIFA World Cup game while they were happening here on my doorstep in Vancouver. I also knew the city would show up for the mega sporting event, but stepping into BC Place for the Belgium vs. New Zealand match felt surreal.

Article content

The noise hit me first — drums, chants and excited fans with smiles on their faces, and a low buzz of adrenaline and anticipation. There were bright colours everywhere – merch tables, brand activations and a sea of jerseys. 

Article content

Article content

What struck me most about my World Cup experience was how much the energy of the game went beyond the pitch. Major brands are showing up to support community initiatives, such as the Quaker Player Escorts program. Nearly 300 young people from under‑resourced communities in Toronto and Vancouver are getting the chance to walk players onto the pitch across 13 matches. This is really what the World Cup, and other major sporting events like the Olympics are all about: bringing together communities to celebrate pride, possibility and diversity.

Hisense and KultureCity are offering sensory-inclusive and accessible spaces in all 16 host cities for people who experience sensory processing challenges. Every stadium features “Sensory Rooms”  where fans can relax and regulate in a quiet and comfortable setting, with soft seating, tactile resources and calming visuals.

Article content

Article content

Lay’s Fan of the Match contest asks fans why they’re the ultimate supporter – with eight winners chosen across Canada, winning two premium tickets plus travel and accommodation. Orville Reynolds, a Torontonian who’s spent almost twenty years building free youth soccer programming in underserved communities is a recent winner and a good example of the types of people chosen for the experience.

My favourite activation (sadly not hitting Vancouver) is the Chewy Cuddle Shuttle, a “a mobile experience designed to help fans decompress with comfort animal cuddle sessions.” I, for one, am in need of “pet-powered emotional support” during the World Cup and always.

The number of activations at the stadium, within fan zones and around the city are endless and definitely worth exploring.

By kickoff, the energy in the stadium was palpable. Belgium came out strong, and were clear winners from the start, but New Zealand put up a good fight. I couldn’t (and still can’t) help but feel like I was part of a big moment.  

Article content

New food offerings at BC Place

There are a ton of food options, from classic stadium eats like hot dogs and fries to more elevated offerings like salmon and bannock burgers.  We opted for Canada’s first‑ever Tostitos eatery, built specifically for the World Cup.

We ordered the Canadian Classic Nachos, piled with cheese curds, back bacon, queso, cheddar, banana peppers, onions and a smoky maple aioli and the South African and Portuguese inspired Peri Peri Chicken Nachos, topped with peri peri chicken, peri mayo, cheese sauce and pico de gallo. Both delicious, but the standout was the Peri Peri (I’m a sucker for a little heat). The best part? All of the nachos are served in custom Tostitos x FIFA bowls so you can bring the event home with you.

The best FIFA collabs you can bring home today

Canada’s part in hosting the 2026 World Cup has come to a close (the final match on Canadian soil took place at BC Place on July 7, as Switzerland overtook Colombia), there’s still time to represent your favourite teams throughout the rest of the tournament. Shop the latest World Cup collections in Canada:

Why trust us: We research, test and vet so you don’t have to. Learn more about our methodology or subscribe to our newsletter for the best of Canoe delivered to your inbox.

ltaveroff@postmedia.com

instagram.com/leightav

Article content