The City of Richmond, Tourism Richmond, and the Richmond Hotel Association are kicking off the 50-day countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ with an announcement of the city-wide program Richmond Celebrates Soccer. Launching on June 12 with the World Soccer Day Kick-Off Event, the six-week program will feature free watch parties open to all — bringing together the city’s diverse communities through the spirit of sport, play, and cultural connection.
“As we mark the 50-day countdown to the world’s largest sporting event, Richmond is ready to welcome the world with our own local flair,” says Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “Through Richmond Celebrates Soccer, we are creating accessible spaces for our residents to share in the excitement of the game. These watch parties are more than just about sport; they are a celebration of our city’s incredible diversity and the community spirit that defines Richmond.”
Tourism Richmond CEO Nancy Small adds: “The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is a massive
opportunity to showcase Richmond as a premier destination for cultural and sport tourism. Tourism Richmond and the Richmond Hotel Association are so proud to co-present a six-week program of free, city-wide events with the City of Richmond to give visitors and locals alike a reason to stay, play, and experience our local hospitality. From the World Soccer Day Kick-Off on June 12 to our closing Signature Event on July 19, we are thrilled to help put Richmond’s vibrant energy on the global stage.”
Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, says: “We are thrilled to help communities throughout B.C. share in the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026™. 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. Through this funding, we’re creating more opportunities for people in B.C. to feel connected to the World Cup experience closer to home.”
The World Soccer Day Kick-Off Event on June 12 will take place at the Richmond Olympic Oval. The day-long festival will feature a public barbecue, music, and soccer activities for all ages, in addition to a watch party of the first Canada match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, taking place in Toronto.
The program will close on July 19 with the Signature Event at the Aberdeen Neighbourhood Park. In addition to watching the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final on the big screen, visitors can celebrate the end of the international event with live performances, activations with local soccer clubs, and family-friendly activities.
To learn more, visit RichmondCelebratesSoccer.ca
Richmond Celebrates Soccer schedule:
World Soccer Day Kick-Off Event at Richmond Olympic Oval
June 12, 2026
Official launch of Richmond Celebrates Soccer. Richmond School District No. 38 classrooms will be invited to celebrate the sport with field instruction, music, and activities during school hours. After, the public will be invited to view the first Canada match, enjoy cultural entertainment, and barbecue.
Hamilton’s Soccer Slam at the Hamilton Community Park
June 14, 2026
An outdoor viewing party with family-friendly activities, including inflatable attractions and soccer-themed crafts.
Minoru Match Day Meet-up at Minoru Park at the Minoru Centre for Active Living Plaza
June 18, 2026
A vibrant community event featuring soccer-themed activities and crafts, live entertainment and performances, and community partner activations.
City Centre Celebrates Soccer at Garden City Community Park
June 21, 2026
A dual celebration of soccer and Indigenous culture, featuring traditional Indigenous games and cedar weaving, Indigenous food offerings, and a celebration of Indigenous athletes.
Community Soccer Fest at Thompson/Burnett Community Park
June 24, 2026
A soccer-themed twist on the annual community picnic featuring a Soccer Zone with a mini obstacle course and goalkeeper challenge, roving freestyle soccer performers, and international soccer anthems and cultural showcases.
Neighbourhood Block Party – Soccer Edition at South Arm Community Park
July 6, 2026
A community block party promoting connection and soccer excitement, with an inflatable soccer zone, live performances, and all ages skill and recreational soccer games.
The Cambie Kick-Off at Cambie Community Centre Outdoor Plaza, King George/Cambie Community Park
July 7, 2026
A lively celebration with live entertainment, food trucks, face painting, raffles and giveaways, and soccer skill challenges.
Burkeville Soccer Celebration at Burkeville Neighbourhood Park
July 11, 2026
A community event fun for all ages with interactive programming like soccer drills and creative art stations.
Richmond Celebrates Soccer – West Fest at Hugh Boyd Community Park
July 14, 2026
A free festival for all ages, including art stations, giant games, inflatables, sensory play stations, and free barbecued hot dogs.
Steveston Celebrates Soccer
July 18, 2026
A community event designed to bring people together, with recreational soccer games, food trucks, and live entertainment.
Signature Closing Event – Richmond Celebrates Soccer at Aberdeen Neighbourhood Park
July 19, 2026
The City of Richmond hosts the closing program of Richmond Celebrates Soccer, featuring programming with local soccer clubs, live performances, family-friendly activities, and a watch party of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final on the big screen.
The City of Richmond gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.