The City of Kamloops is pleased to announce it is a successful recipient of the Province of British Columbia’s 2026 Community Event Support Fund to host community-led celebrations and live public watch parties for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
The Community Event Support funding supports the planning, promotion, and safe delivery of soccer-themed events that foster community pride and cultural expression, benefit local businesses, and help attract visitors to regions throughout the province during the five-week long tournament.
“We’re excited to bring people together in Kamloops for community events and watch parties for the FIFA World Cup 2026™,” said Deputy Mayor Margot Middleton. “Canada’s Tournament Capital has a long history being a hub for sporting events and this provincial funding allows us to showcase our vibrant, accessible, and diverse community.”
The City gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.
“This funding allows communities like Kamloops to create memorable experiences around major sporting events and creates a sense of inclusion and unity for everyone in the province as Canada co-hosts the biggest sporting event in the world,” said Andrew Smeaton, the City’s Business Operations and Events Supervisor.
"We are thrilled to help communities throughout B.C. share in the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026™," says Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. "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."
From June 11 to July 19, 2026, Kamloops will bring the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ to Riverside Park with licensed outdoor public watch parties. Games will be broadcast on a large screen at the Rotary Bandshell, with enhanced events planned around Team Canada matches and the World Cup final. These events will feature family and soccer-focused activities, live entertainment, food trucks, and beer gardens.
The City is working with several community partners as it hosts the community celebrations. “This is all possible thanks to our strong collaboration with Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, Tourism Kamloops, the Kamloops Sports Council, the Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association, and Kamloops United Football Club,” explained Smeaton.
Full details and a schedule of events will be released later this spring.
For more information on the 2026 Community Event Support Fund, visit the BC Government News website.
