OTTAWA — Canada's Secretary of State for Sport, Adam van Koeverden, has dismissed concerns regarding the costs associated with co-hosting the FIFA World Cup, emphasizing instead the opportunity for Canadians to engage with this major sporting event. Van Koeverden, a former Olympian, expressed his excitement for the tournament's commencement, stating, “As soon as the first whistle blows, people will embrace these next few weeks as one of the coolest sporting opportunities our country has ever seen.”
The FIFA World Cup begins on Thursday and concludes on July 19, 2026. Canada is co-hosting the event alongside the United States and Mexico, with Canada and Mexico each hosting 13 of the 104 matches and the U.S. handling the remainder. Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the tournament, Canadian organizers have faced scrutiny over the costs of co-hosting, with concerns raised about ticket affordability and the potential return on investment.
According to a report from the parliamentary budget officer (PBO) from last month, the federal government's contribution is estimated to be $473 million, while additional funding amounts to $593 million from other levels of government. Van Koeverden defended the spending, drawing parallels to previous World Cup tournaments. He highlighted improvements made to infrastructure in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, stating, “We’ve made BC Place more accessible, doubled the number of elevators there, and improved the type of events it can host.”
Van Koeverden further emphasized the significance of these expenditures as “very, very prudent investment in security and operations.” He proudly declared that Canada is “the best sport-hosting nation in the world,” asserting that these investments will enhance public access to the event.
Looking forward, Van Koeverden expressed his anticipation for the fan experiences throughout the tournament. He noted that many free fan experiences will be available, not only in Vancouver and Toronto but across towns and cities nationwide. An Angus Reid poll released this week revealed that 70% of residents in Toronto and Vancouver believe the public costs associated with hosting are not worth the disruption. In response to this sentiment, Van Koeverden countered, “Let the games begin,” encouraging people to embrace the excitement of the event.
Van Koeverden likened the anxiety surrounding the World Cup to the atmosphere leading up to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, noting that before such events, there is often a sense of “doom and gloom.” He asserted that the true value of major investments lies not merely in immediate outcomes but in the lasting legacy they create, such as improved infrastructure and community pride. He reminisced about the positive experiences of volunteers from the Olympics, stating that “those are lasting memories that my family and I share for the rest of their lives.”
Recent reports indicate that hotels in Canada’s host cities are currently only half-booked. However, Van Koeverden pointed out that the games will positively impact the hospitality sector beyond just accommodations, as local patios and venues will likely see increased patronage. He expressed optimism for sports fans being able to enjoy vibrant social interactions during the tournament.
Conservative MP Richard Martel acknowledged that events like the World Cup offer significant contributions to host countries, while noting that high ticket prices have made it difficult for some Canadians to attend the games. Despite this, he described the overall costs of hosting as “justified.” Ticket prices have indeed caused concern, but resale prices have seen a decrease in recent weeks.
When asked if the government could have done more to make matches accessible, Van Koeverden clarified that FIFA sets ticket prices. He highlighted the federal government's initiative to purchase 5,000 tickets to help children and their families attend pre-tournament friendly matches in Montreal, Toronto, and Edmonton. He remarked on the high prices of tickets, stating, “I know that’s a lot of money, but it is very comparable to the NBA Finals or the World Series last year.”
