Vancouver Faces Accommodation Shortage as FIFA World Cup 2026 Approaches
Soccer fever is set to engulf Vancouver during the summer of 2026, with the FIFA World Cup bringing an estimated 350,000 international fans to the city for seven matches between June 11 and July 19. As one of only two Canadian host cities among 16 across North America, Vancouver is bracing for unprecedented tourism demand that is already driving accommodation costs to staggering heights.
Skyrocketing Prices and Critical Shortfalls
Hotel rooms and short-term rentals near B.C. Place Stadium are currently listed at $1,200 to $2,000 per night, with prices expected to climb further as the tournament nears. A Deloitte report prepared for Airbnb projects a shortfall of 70,000 accommodation nights during the busiest nine-day stretch of the event. With approximately 13,000 hotel rooms in Vancouver—a stock largely unchanged since 2002—this translates to an average daily shortfall of 7,700 unaccommodated fans, peaking at 14,700 on a single day.
The report warns that hotel prices could surge by more than 200 percent, marking one of the largest spikes ever seen for a major Vancouver event, surpassing even the price hikes during Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concerts in 2024. Searches for short-term stays in host cities, including Vancouver, have already increased by 80 percent compared to last year, indicating early and intense demand.
Expert Advice: Look Beyond Downtown Core
Destination Vancouver CEO Royce Chwin is urging fans to book early and explore options outside the downtown area to avoid exorbitant costs. "For people looking to come to Vancouver for the matches, you've got the whole Lower Mainland," Chwin told Postmedia. Accommodations in regions like Langley and other parts of the Lower Mainland offer more affordable rates while still providing reasonable access to B.C. Place via car or public transit.
Chwin highlights that while platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo show surging demand, they come with risks such as last-minute cancellations, similar to incidents during Swift's Eras Tour where some ticketholders were left scrambling. "It's partly why we have been advocating so hard to get hotels approved and built in the city," he explained, noting that hotels typically offer stricter cancellation policies and better consumer protections than short-term rentals.
Strategies for Affordable Stays
To navigate the accommodation crisis, tourism experts recommend:
- Expand Your Search: Consider hotels and rentals in the broader Lower Mainland, where prices are significantly lower.
- Book Immediately: Secure accommodations as soon as possible to lock in better rates before further price increases.
- Prioritize Hotels: Opt for hotels over short-term rentals to minimize risks of cancellations and ensure reliable stays.
- Plan Transportation: Factor in travel time and costs from outlying areas to B.C. Place, using public transit or car services.
With Vancouver's tourism infrastructure under pressure, proactive planning is essential for fans hoping to experience the World Cup without breaking the bank. As Chwin emphasizes, early action and flexibility in location choices can make the difference between an affordable visit and a financially overwhelming one.
