Some people question FIFA World Cup benefits, while Eby says Vancouver could host more matches

Premier David Eby says B.C. is able to host more than the seven 2026 FIFA World Cup matches planned for Vancouver, even as questions mount over transparency and the tournament's economic benefits.

B.C. organizers announced on Tuesday that the cost estimate of hosting the games increased to between $532 million and $624 million. That's up from a 2024 estimate of between $483 million and $581 million.

B.C.'s government justified the cost increase, saying the matches — part of the tournament being co-hosted by the U.S. and Mexico — will lead to more than one million additional out-of-province visitors between 2026 and 2031, generating more than $1 billion in additional visitor spending.

But an economist and a pollster are questioning the benefits for B.C.
 

Meanwhile, Eby said the province would be eager to take on more of the World Cup matches if any are reassigned from other host cities.

His remarks come amid growing concerns around the U.S. as a co-host nation. Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have raised "grave concerns" about the tournament being held there, and questions have surfaced over whether international fans will face barriers due to U.S. immigration policies.

Eby made the comments Friday while answering questions from reporters at a signing ceremony at the Musqueam soccer field near Southwest Marine Drive, where the provincial government, the City of Vancouver, and three local First Nations formalized their agreement to co-operate on hosting duties.

"Additional games in British Columbia would not only be possible, but they would be incredibly welcome," Eby said. 

"We've actually written to FIFA to say if for whatever reason they need to move games from any other locations, British