Vancouver has been selected to host the 76th FIFA Congress on April 30, 2026, bringing together representatives from all 211 FIFA member associations just weeks before Canada co-hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The announcement was made Thursday at the 75th FIFA Congress in Asuncion, Paraguay, where FIFA President Gianni Infantino formally revealed Vancouver as the host city.
“I am delighted to confirm that the 76th FIFA Congress will be held in Vancouver, Canada, on the 30th of April, 2026,” said Infantino. “We very much look forward to welcoming you all in Vancouver — a beautiful host city of the FIFA World Cup in 2026.”
The FIFA Congress — FIFA’s largest annual decision-making event — rotates annually and traditionally takes place in the World Cup host country in the year of the tournament. Vancouver’s selection marks a significant win for Canada over fellow co-hosts the U.S. and Mexico.
The last time Canada hosted a FIFA Congress was in Montreal in 1976, during the presidency of João Havelange.
“It’s one of the major events annually for FIFA,” said Victor Montagliani, Vancouver native, CONCACAF president, and FIFA vice-president. “Outside of a World Cup or competition, it’s our biggest event because it’s our annual meeting.”
The event is expected to draw hundreds of delegates, media, and FIFA stakeholders, injecting a major tourism and economic boost into Vancouver. FIFA Congresses typically feature side events such as workshops and exhibition matches, including a “legends game” involving past football stars.
“This one is the big winner,” said Peter Montopoli, Canada’s chief tournament officer for 2026. “It brings the most members, the most people, and the most tourism.”
In addition to serving as a global forum for football diplomacy, the 2026 FIFA Congress will address key issues, including:
- The selection of hosts for the 2031 and 2035 FIFA Women’s World Cups
- The host of the inaugural FIFA Women’s Club World Cup in 2032
The U.S. Soccer Federation has already expressed interest in a joint bid for the 2031 tournament, while the football associations of England, Scotland, Wales, and both Irelands are expected to bid for 2035.
Each FIFA member association has one vote, making the Congress a powerful platform for global football decisions.
The 76th Congress will take place just weeks before the start of the 2026 World Cup, which kicks off June 11 and runs through July 19 across cities in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico.