A recent independent report by Deloitte has found that Vancouver lacks the hotel capacity required to accommodate visitors for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The city is set to host seven matches, including two with Team Canada at BC Place, and expects more than 350,000 soccer fans from around the world.
The analysis predicts a shortfall of 70,000 accommodation nights during the busiest nine days of the tournament. This could leave up to 15,000 fans each day without a place to stay at peak times. The report also notes that average hotel rates may increase by over 200 percent, similar to what was seen during Taylor Swift’s concerts in Vancouver in 2024.
Years of limited investment in hotels have left Vancouver’s lodging market under pressure. According to the report, an additional 10,000 rooms will be needed by 2050 to meet ongoing demand. British Columbia’s new short-term rental law restricts listings primarily to principal residences and has been fully enforced since May. This regulation is among the strictest in Canada and has further reduced available accommodation options, especially during major events.
As a result, many fans could be priced out or forced to seek lodging outside the region, which would mean lost tourism revenue for local businesses.
To address this challenge ahead of next summer’s tournament, there are calls for special event hosting rules—temporary exemptions that would allow more residents to host visitors during global events like FIFA. Other countries such as the UK and Japan have implemented similar temporary measures successfully.
“British Columbia cannot afford to turn away tens of thousands of fans and millions in visitor spending during the FIFA World Cup. Temporarily reducing fees and making it easier for people to host visitors during major events is a proven, practical strategy to make sure Vancouver and other B.C. communities are ready to welcome the world. We strongly encourage Vancouver and the provincial government to take the necessary steps now so this can be successfully implemented in time for next summer,” said Alex Howell, Policy Lead at Airbnb Canada.
Supporters argue that an exemption would help increase available accommodations while allowing local residents—not just hotels—to benefit financially from increased demand across all parts of Vancouver.
Laura Jones, President and CEO of the Business Council of British Columbia added: “FIFA is expected to bring tens of thousands of visitors to Vancouver in 2026. Temporarily easing short-term rental restrictions during the busy summer months is a practical way to expand accommodation capacity and provide visitors to B.C. with a welcoming experience. It would also help ensure more of the economic benefits flow to local businesses and workers.”
With ticket sales underway and match schedules due soon, stakeholders are urging quick action from policymakers so that Vancouver can maximize economic benefits from hosting part of FIFA World Cup 2026.
