From Gate to Goal: Vancouver International Airport ready to welcome the world for FIFA 2026

Musqueam Territory/Richmond, B.C. (June 3, 2026): Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is entering the final countdown to FIFA World Cup 2026, with just 10 days until the first match kicks off in Vancouver on June 13.

As the primary gateway for fans, teams, officials, and media travelling to and from the tournament, YVR will serve as the first and final impression of Vancouver and British Columbia for FIFA visitors from around the world. This comes at the same time as YVR is also preparing for summer travel, including supporting a forecasted record cruise season out of the Port of Vancouver. To ensure a resilient, reliable operation and a leading passenger experience, YVR has spent the past four years planning with a variety of partners including Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), TransLink, the Vancouver Host Committee, Destination Vancouver, RCMP, Musqueam, and many more.  

Between June 8 and July 12, passenger volumes are expected to hit 2.7 million or an average of nearly 88,000 per day, exceeding the same period in 2025, which was a record year for YVR. This represents a 5-10 per cent increase in passenger volumes over last year. The highest passenger volumes are expected in the days before and after a match.

To support the unique operational demands of the FIFA World Cup, YVR has established dedicated roles to coordinate with FIFA volunteers and event organizers, ensuring seamless movement for accredited groups as well as a smooth journey for other passengers.

A 24/7 FIFA Coordination Desk is now active, providing real‑time support for players, officials, media, and other credential travellers. In partnership with RCMP and security partners, YVR has also significantly increased security measures and staffing for the duration of the event.

In order to ensure a resilient, reliable operation to meet passenger and event demands, YVR has accelerated key innovations to increase capacity, improve flow, and enhance the overall passenger experience.

• Additional new CT screening technology has been installed at all Domestic and International CATSA screening points as well as connecting checkpoints and installation is under way at U.S. Departures as well, eliminating the need to remove large electronics and small liquids from carry‑on bags.
• YVR’s biometric and facial comparison boarding program has also been expanded to include 42 biometric‑enabled gates now in place, including 28 full e‑gates. In addition to being more convenient for travellers, this enables boarding up to 13 per cent faster and has supported an increase in on-time departures even when an aircraft arrives behind schedule.

As Vancouver gets ready to host one of the world’s biggest sporting events, YVR is prepared to welcome visitors with efficiency, safety, and the region’s signature hospitality.

Whether passengers are travelling to Vancouver for FIFA or heading to or from vacation, YVR has the following top tips to ensure the smoothest possible journey:

• Stay informed: Check the status of your flight with your airline or at yvr.ca before coming to the airport.
• Check travel documents: Ensure passports and all travel identification are valid.
• Pre-book your parking at yvr.ca/parking.
• Consider taking transit, including enhanced Canada Line service as well as taxis or rideshare. Pick up areas at International & Domestic Arrivals, Level 2.
• Enjoy the FIFA 2026 experience at YVR with fan activations, exclusive merchandise, and the ability to watch match action at venues across the terminal.

For more information on FIFA events and activations around the terminal and other important information passengers can check out yvr.ca/kickoff.