#93 Day Countdown - World Cup Giants Are Coming to Vancouver

By Elke Porter | WBN News World Sports | March 10, 2026
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Seven matches. Six nations. Dozens of players who grace the pitches of the world's greatest clubs — and all of them coming to BC Place. With 93 days until kickoff, Vancouver City News breaks down exactly who is heading to Vancouver, who the marquee stars are, and what match days you absolutely cannot miss.

Whether you are a lifelong football supporter or someone new to the beautiful game, this summer at BC Place will be unlike anything Vancouver has ever seen.

Vancouver's Full FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Schedule

All seven matches will be played at BC Place, located in the heart of downtown Vancouver.

Date	Time (PT)	Match	Stage
Sat, Jun 13	9:00 PM	Australia vs UEFA Playoff C Winner	Group Stage
Thu, Jun 18	3:00 PM	🇨🇦 Canada vs Qatar 🇶🇦	Group Stage
Sun, Jun 21	6:00 PM	New Zealand vs Egypt	Group Stage
Wed, Jun 24	12:00 PM	🇨🇦 Canada vs Switzerland 🇨🇭	Group Stage
Fri, Jun 26	8:00 PM	🇧🇪 New Zealand vs Belgium 🇧🇪	Group Stage
Thu, Jul 2	8:00 PM	TBD Round of 32	Round of 32
Tue, Jul 7	1:00 PM	TBD Round of 16	Round of 16

Highlighted matches feature Canada (gold) and Belgium (red) — the two biggest draws for Vancouver fans.

🇧🇪 The Marquee Match: Belgium at BC Place — June 26

If you are going to see one match this summer, the argument can be made it is this one. Belgium — one of European football's most storied sides — brings a squad that reads like a who's who of world soccer to BC Place on June 26 for their Group G clash against New Zealand.

Belgium has been ranked No. 1 in the FIFA World Rankings and reached third place at the 2018 World Cup — the best result in the country's history.

Belgium's Stars Coming to Vancouver:

Kevin De Bruyne — Midfielder, Napoli

Widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation. De Bruyne has earned 115 international caps for Belgium and won the UEFA Champions League and six Premier League titles with Manchester City, where he made 422 appearances. He was voted to the Fan Dream Team at the 2018 World Cup, finished third in the Ballon d'Or in 2022, and has been named in the FIFA FIFPRO World 11 five times. Now at Napoli, he led all midfielders in goal contributions during the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign — scoring six goals in six games.

Why it matters for Vancouver: At 34, this is likely De Bruyne's final World Cup. Watching a generational talent in what could be his last tournament appearance — at BC Place — is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Thibaut Courtois — Goalkeeper, Real Madrid

Belgium's first-choice goalkeeper with 107 caps, Courtois was awarded the Golden Glove at the 2018 FIFA World Cup — given to the tournament's best keeper. At club level, he has won the UEFA Champions League and multiple La Liga titles with Real Madrid, and Premier League titles with Chelsea. He is one of the best goalkeepers on the planet.

Jérémy Doku — Winger, Manchester City

The electric 22-year-old winger at Manchester City is Belgium's brightest young talent. A product of Anderlecht's academy, Doku plays with the kind of fearless pace and skill that makes him one of the most entertaining players in world football to watch. He was part of the squad that reached the 2018 World Cup third-place finish and represents Belgium's next generation stepping into the spotlight.

🇨🇦 The Home Nation: Canada Plays in Vancouver — June 18 & 24

For Vancouver residents, no matches will carry more emotional weight than the two Canada home games at BC Place. Canada plays Qatar on June 18 and then faces Switzerland on June 24 — and both matches present a genuine chance to see the host nation advance from the group stage for the first time in their history.

Canada's Stars to Watch:

Alphonso Davies — Left Back / Winger, Bayern Munich

The face of Canadian football. Davies grew up in Metro Vancouver, began his career with the Vancouver Whitecaps, and has since become one of the fastest and most dynamic players in world football. His comeback from an ACL injury means 2026 will be a redemption story playing out in his hometown. The BC Place crowd will give him a reception unlike anything he has ever experienced.

Jonathan David — Striker, Juventus

Jesse Marsch has called David the best forward he has ever coached. After several prolific seasons in Ligue 1 with Lille — including over 100 league goals — David now plays for Juventus and is primed to lead Canada's attack. A composed, clinical finisher with an eye for goal in elite competition.

Tajon Buchanan — Winger, Villarreal

One of the most dynamic wingers Canada has produced, Buchanan combines flair, pace, and an improving eye for goal. He plays for Villarreal in Spain's La Liga and is second only to Nicolas Pepe for successful dribbles at his club this season. An explosive player who will excite BC Place on both Canada match days.

Stephen Eustáquio — Midfielder, LAFC

Canada's co-captain and midfield anchor. A veteran of over 150 games for Porto — including UEFA Champions League appearances — Eustáquio is the calm, composed engine that keeps Canada ticking. His reading of the game and ability to win the ball back make him one of the most important players in the squad.

The Vancouver Connection

Alphonso Davies began his professional journey with the Vancouver Whitecaps before earning his move to Bayern Munich. On June 18, he returns to BC Place — the stadium in his adopted hometown — to play for Canada on the biggest stage in world football. That is not just a match. That is a story.

The Other Teams: Australia, New Zealand, Egypt & Qatar

While Belgium and Canada command the headlines, the other four nations competing in Vancouver bring their own passionate fan bases and talented squads — and each match will contribute to the electric atmosphere that will transform BC Place all month long.

🇦🇺 Australia (June 13)

The Socceroos open Vancouver's World Cup schedule against a UEFA playoff winner. Australia has built a passionate global following after their memorable run to the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar — their best-ever World Cup result. Head coach Tony Popovic leads a hungry squad looking to replicate that magic.

🇳🇿 New Zealand (June 21 & 26)

The All Whites appear in two Vancouver matches and carry the hopes of the Pacific football community. Their June 26 clash with Belgium will be one of the most-watched matches of the entire Vancouver group stage schedule.

🇪🇬 Egypt (June 21)

Egypt brings a rich footballing history and one of Africa's most passionate fan communities. Their appearance at BC Place against New Zealand will draw a significant Egyptian-Canadian crowd from across the Lower Mainland.

🇶🇦 Qatar (June 18)

The defending host nation from the 2022 World Cup faces Canada in what promises to be one of the most emotionally charged group-stage matches in BC Place history. Expect a sold-out stadium with a sea of red and white.

Up Next in the Countdown Series

Tomorrow — Day 92 — we publish our first Wednesday Business Opportunities article: "92 Days to Go: How Vancouver Restaurants, Hotels, and Retailers Can Prepare for 200,000 World Cup Visitors." If you run a local business, this is the article you have been waiting for.

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Elke Porter at:
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