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The FIFA World Cup fever sweeping Vancouver isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
After packed fan zones, massive crowds at BC Place and a historic win for Canada earlier this week, the city is gearing up for another football-filled Sunday as New Zealand takes on Egypt at BC Place on June 21. Kickoff is set for 6 pm, marking Vancouver’s third World Cup match of the tournament.
And while tickets to the game may be getting harder to find, there are plenty of ways to join the party without stepping inside the stadium.
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FIFA fever in the street
The biggest celebration will once again take place at the FIFA Fan Festival at the PNE, where giant screens, food vendors, interactive activations and live entertainment have transformed the grounds into Vancouver’s unofficial World Cup headquarters.
Sunday’s program includes broadcasts of Belgium versus Iran, Uruguay versus Cape Verde and New Zealand versus Egypt, followed by a headline performance from Indigenous hip hop duo Snotty Nose Rez Kids.
Elsewhere, football fans can expect watch-parties and community gatherings across the region. Organizers have set up official fan zones in municipalities throughout Metro Vancouver, creating neighbourhood hubs for supporters who want to experience the tournament atmosphere closer to home. The growing network of viewing parties has become one of the defining features of Vancouver’s World Cup experience so far.
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Vancouver does FIFA right
The excitement has been building steadily since the tournament kicked off. Thousands have already gathered downtown and at fan zones throughout the city, while visiting supporters from around the world have helped create a festival atmosphere that extends far beyond BC Place.
Observers have noted that Vancouver is embracing the tournament with the kind of citywide energy usually reserved for major championship runs. Vancouver isn’t just hosting the World Cup. It’s throwing one heck of a football party.
As for Sunday’s matchup, New Zealand and Egypt enter the game after drawing their opening Group G matches, making this an important opportunity for both teams to strengthen their chances of advancing to the knockout stage. Group G also includes Belgium and Iran.
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