Canada-wide FIFA Tour taking World Cup celebrations to Cranbrook in June

Residents are invited to join in on festivities as Cranbrook kicks off World Cup celebrations in the East Kootenay this summer.

FIFA has now unveiled its first “Canada Celebrates” programme, bringing together football fans from 38 communities for live match viewings, football-themed events and cultural line-ups nationwide from June 11 to July 19.

Cranbrook has been chosen as one of six tour stops in B.C. and will be the last stop in the province before the tour moves to Edmonton, Alberta, in July.

“As a Canadian, it’s incredibly meaningful to bring a taste of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to communities across the country and ensure Canadian residents can be part of this historic moment,” said Vittorio Montagliani, FIFA Vice-President and Concacaf President. 

“Beyond hosting matches in Toronto and Vancouver, this FIFA World Cup will create a legacy for football in this country — inspiring the next generation and growing the game for years to come.”

The B.C. government has also invested $75,525 from its one-time Community Event Support Fund to support a live FIFA World Cup viewing party in Cranbrook. 

City staff applied for the grant in January, with Visit Cranbrook set to help market the event and partially fund it with a $7,500 contribution if approved.

Councillor Lynette Wray said at a council meeting that month that the grant would help the city create a fun opportunity at no cost to taxpayers.

“It’s just another way that we can really promote vibrancy in our community and show that we’re a small city,” said Wray. “We’re not a small town anymore. We’re a small city that has very cool events, so I think there’s a lot of potential for this.”

Trevor Thors, recreation and culture director for the city, added that turnout is expected to be similar to a “large Blitzville” or hockey event, with thousands of residents coming together to enjoy the sport.

A total of $1.7 million was allocated to 32 municipalities, regional districts and First Nations to host soccer-themed community gatherings and live public match-viewing events in the province. 

The tour is set to stop in Cranbrook on June 27.