Vancouver city, mainly downtown, from above

City of Vancouver prepares temporary by-law adjustments in advance of summer 2026

November 26 2025 –

Today, City Council approved a temporary by-law to support Vancouver’s role as a Host City for the FIFA World Cup 26™. These changes are designed to ensure the City maintains public safety, smooth operations, and a welcoming environment for residents and visitors during the world’s largest global sporting event while delivering on FIFA requirements. 

What’s changing 

The FIFA World Cup 2026 By-law will temporarily adjust several existing City by-laws during the event preparation and delivery period (May 13 to July 20, 2026). These adjustments will allow for: 

  • Installation of temporary event structures. 
  • Faster removal of graffiti and unauthorized commercial signage on private property. 
  • Extended noise allowances for event operations and international broadcast schedules. 
  • Temporary restrictions on street vending, street entertainment and advertising to maintain safety and event integrity. 
  • Adjustments to truck routes in high-traffic areas. 

Why these changes are needed 

Hosting an international event of this scale requires flexibility in how the City manages public spaces and infrastructure. These measures will help the City ensure efficient event delivery and help maintain a safe and organized city during the tournament, while fulfilling its commitments to FIFA.  

How impacts will be managed 

All changes are time-limited and, in many cases focused on areas near event venues such as BC Place Vancouver and Hastings Park/PNE fairgrounds (location of Vancouver’s FIFA Fan Festival™). Temporary structures must be removed or brought into compliance shortly after the event. Noise extensions and operational adjustments will be communicated in advance to residents and businesses.  

Enforcement will prioritize high-visibility areas and follow a consistent approach aligned with the City’s practices for other major events. We will continue to take an education-first approach, with additional enforcement as a secondary measure. Penalties will be consistent with existing City standards.  

This by-law is part of the overall goal of ensuring that FIFA World Cup 26™ is a moment of celebration for the entire city. Individuals, businesses and community groups are encouraged to read the Community Activation Playbook ). With tips on activating, permitting and public viewing, you can join us in bringing the FIFA World Cup 26™ atmosphere to life province-wide.    

Driving economic benefits while supporting our local communities

Hosting the World Cup is an opportunity to showcase Vancouver and British Columbia to the world and attract more visitors to our city who will contribute widely to our economy. The economic benefits of hosting seven matches are estimated to include more than one million additional out-of-province visitors between 2026 and 2031, generating more than $1 billion in additional visitor spending in British Columbia.  

We recognize that hosting an event of this magnitude will include changes to the daily life of some residents and businesses. We are committed to proactive communication to keep impacted groups informed and minimize disruptions. These measures build on lessons learned from previous large-scale events, including the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, the 2024 Grey Cup and Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, and are designed to balance successful event operations with the needs of our community.