World Cup Summer

And just like that, the World Cup is over.

Everyone I know in Vancouver, to a person, was ambivalent about being a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. And everyone I know in Vancouver (well, almost everyone) got caught up in the excitement once the party started.

I mean, let’s face it. When Sports Illustrated rates you as the No. 1 host city, you take notice. We must be doing something right.

It’s been a wild few weeks. Not without controversy, yes, and I won’t get into all that. But it’s been so much fun to see Vancouver come alive.

We’ve shown in the past that we can do big events. Expo 86 was Vancouver’s coming-out party, and the 2010 Winter Olympics were widely regarded at the time as the most successful Games to date.

The World Cup of association football (soccer) seems to be on another level, however. The entire world was invested in the tournament. And even though exorbitant ticket prices kept most of us away from BC Place (where the matches were held), there was plenty of opportunity to take part in free public watch parties across the region and cheer for your team — whatever colour that might be.

Canada’s team marked several firsts: first-ever goal, first-ever win, first-ever advancement to the knockout stage, and first-ever knockout win. In the end, we placed 14th. Not bad for our third appearance at the World Cup.

Expectations will be high for next time. Until then, we can bask in the memory of our first-ever World Cup summer.