What’s the real cost? BC Taxpayers footing a large chunk of the World Cup bill

May 20, 2026 | 4:51 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – One Billion dollars for 13 games, that’s the estimated cost to Canadian taxpayers to host 13 matches in the 2026 World Cup according to a Parliamentary Budget Officer report released Wednesday. British Columbia’s portion of that bill has reportedly ballooned to $578 million despite claims in 2022 that the costs would be roughly $250 million which equals a cost of about $102 per person.

“There is no reason why tapped out taxpayers should be paying for road closures, police escorts and new VIP suites for FIFA executives and big wigs. Normal British Columbians are struggling to afford the basics right now. We don’t have money lying around to give FIFA a $1 billion gift.” says the B.C Director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation Carson Binda.

According to the polling firm Leger 50% of British Columbians are opposed to spending over $500 million on World Cup games especially at a time when there are many more pressing issues including cost of living, housing affordability, and strained healthcare systems.

“I think in the time of restraint which we are all trying to go through right now, asking the taxpayers to foot a bill like that is unconscionable.” said one concerned Prince George resident.

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“That money should be spent on a medical system, rather than a bunch of people kicking a football around the stadium.” said another resident.

The promised economic benefits from the games doesn’t seem to be working out so far as hotel reservations are reportedly down about 20% this summer in Vancouver compared to last year. With tariff repercussions and the ongoing conflict in Hormuz increasing prices on groceries and fuel among other things many feel that 102$ in savings could be put to better use especially up North where the citizens will reap none of the rewards despite footing the bill.

“The B.C. government clawed back the rural and northern homeowners tax credit this year which was a tax credit to folks in PG. So while government is clawing back benefits for northern communities taking more money from your pockets, that money is seemingly going right into these FIFA World Cup soccer games. That’s unacceptable for a community that will never see the benefits.” added Binda.

The B.C government still has not released a budget or detailed cost estimate to taxpayers.

by Nick Dube

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What’s the real cost? BC Taxpayers footing a large chunk of the World Cup bill

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