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B.C. soccer fans will learn 2026 World Cup schedule today

Also to be announced today is where the quarter-finals, semifinals and final will be played
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Argentina’s Lionel Messi waves after receiving the Golden Ball for best player of the tournament at the end of the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France in Qatar. MARTIN MEISSNER, AP

Does B.C. Ferries take reservations more than two years out?

Fans across the province will find out today what games will be played and when at B.C. Place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The announcement of what games will go where in the U.S./Canada/Mexico hosted tournament will be televised live at noon on TSN and CTV from Miami.

Although the teams won’t be decided until after the qualifying process, simply knowing that a top-placer from a European group, or from South America, has been drawn for Vancouver could mean the expectation of the likes of England, Germany, Italy, Brazil or Argentina playing in this province. Also to be announced today is where the quarter-finals, semifinals and final will be played and whether Canada will play its games at B.C. Place or BMO Field in Toronto.

Ten games will be hosted in total between Vancouver and Toronto. It is estimated it will cost between $240 million and $260 million to host five games at B.C. Place with costs expected to be split between the three levels of government.

Greater Victoria was among 52 training-base options across the continent presented to FIFA in the official bid book put forward by the U.S./Canada/Mexico United Bid, which in 2018 won the right to host the 2026 World Cup.

“It’s a huge advantage for the Island having Vancouver and Seattle as host cities for games, and the chance to have a Brazil or Germany based here for training camp or exhibitions,” said Keith Wells, executive director of the Greater Victoria Sport Tourism Commission. “We will have more clarity [today].”

Vancouver, Toronto, Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey will join 11 U.S. cities, including Seattle at Lumen Field, in hosting the 2026 World Cup.

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