Note to editors: This below version corrects factual errors contained in the version issued on January 20,2025 and should be used as the official record.
The City of Vancouver is advancing plans to make the National Soccer Development Centre on the University of British Columbia’s campus a Venue-Specific Training Site for the FIFA World Cup 26 Vancouver™ (FWC26).
UBC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and the City of Vancouver have signed a letter of intent outlining key terms for FIFA Canada’s potential use of the site as a potential team base camp and training site location, which would be confirmed at a future date pending work toward such agreements. This letter of intent marks an important step toward finalizing binding arrangements to make the state-of-the-art facility a hub to support the FIFA World Cup 26™ event.
With the opportunity to utilize the National Soccer Development Centre at UBC, the letter of intent between the City, UBC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC allows for the withdrawal of Memorial South Park from consideration as a FWC26 training site. Construction of the upgrades that were planned for Memorial South Park will no longer proceed, and the park will remain fully accessible to the community in its current condition leading up to, and during the FIFA World Cup 26™ event.
A requirement for all 16 host cities, the training sites will support international teams with world-class fields as they prepare for their matches at BC Place Vancouver. Earlier this year, construction began at Vancouver’s other training site, Killarney Park, and is expected to be completed by December 2025. The temporary facility at Killarney Park will include grass soccer pitches, field lights, team facilities such as locker rooms, and a press conference room. To support its use during the tournament and facilitate post-event restorations, the site will remain closed to the public until fall 2026. As a result of the work done to prepare for hosting training sessions, Killarney Park will be upgraded to a grass sport field with lights, a drainage irrigation system and utilities which will enhance the park's long-term usability.
For more information on Vancouver’s training sites, visit www.vancouverfwc26.ca/training-sites.
To learn more about the FIFA World Cup 26 Vancouver™, follow our Instagram, X and Facebook accounts @FWC26Vancouver. Fans can pre-register for FIFA World Cup 26™ ticket information at www.fifa.com/tickets.
Media contact:
Civic Engagement and Communications
media@vancouver.ca
General FIFA World Cup 26™ media inquiries:
FIFA Media Team
media@fifa.org
About FIFA World Cup 26™
FIFA World Cup 26™ will be the biggest sporting event ever, with three Host Countries, 16 Host Cities, 48 teams and 104 matches uniting an entire continent to showcase a momentous new tournament format. With more countries, cities, teams and games, FIFA World Cup 26™ will be the most inclusive tournament ever, engaging millions of fans across 16 unique stadiums and billions worldwide. The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. For the latest FIFA World Cup 26™ information please visit the FIFA World Cup 26™ website. For media representatives wishing to stay up-to-date on all things 2026, please register via the FIFA Media Hub.
