Pitt Meadows to host free World Cup viewing event with provincial funding boost
Residents in Pitt Meadows will be able to cheer on Team Canada closer to home this summer, as the city prepares to host free viewing parties for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, backed by new provincial funding.
The City of Pitt Meadows announced Tuesday, March 31 that it has received $10,000 through the province’s 2026 Community Event Support Fund to stage “Pitt Meadows Cheers for Canada,” a community celebration set for June 24 at the Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre.
Mayor Nicole MacDonald said the event is intended to go beyond sport.
“This event is about more than watching soccer – it is about creating opportunities for connection, celebrating community spirit and supporting the well-being of our residents,” MacDonald said. “We are grateful to the Province for this funding, which helps us deliver an inclusive event where everyone feels welcome to come together and share in the excitement of the World Cup.”
The funding is part of a broader $1.7-million provincial initiative supporting 32 communities across B.C. as part of the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted in part by Vancouver.
Premier David Eby described the tournament as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity,” emphasizing its potential to inspire young people and bring communities together.
“It’s about sharing the love of sport, and the excitement, energy and pride in hosting the largest single-sport event in the world,” Eby said.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, the Community Event Support Fund is designed to ensure residents across the province, not just those in host cities, can participate in World Cup celebrations through local events.
Minister Anne Kang said the funding aims to extend the atmosphere of the global tournament into communities like Pitt Meadows.
“This is the world’s largest single-sport event and we’re making sure everyone can share in the energy, pride and social benefits of hosting,” Kang said.
Across B.C., the 32 funded events are expected to deliver a combined 333 event days between June 11 and July 19, with a projected total attendance of up to a million people.
Eligible expenses under the fund include costs for live viewing screens, security, performers and event promotion, with an added focus on showcasing cultural diversity and supporting local businesses.
The province has framed the initiative as part of its broader tourism strategy, which aims to double tourism revenue by 2036 by leveraging major international events such as the World Cup.
In Pitt Meadows, additional details for the June 24 event are expected to be released in the coming weeks, with city officials encouraging residents to mark their calendars.
