World Cup match in Vancouver triggers transit ridership not seen since 2010 Games

World Cup match triggers high transit ridership
World Cup match triggers high transit ridership
Australian fans cheer on their team before a World Cup Group D soccer match, in Vancouver, on Saturday, June 13, 2026.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Timothy Matwey
Writer

Vancouver's first FIFA World Cup game pushed transit ridership levels to heights not seen since the 2010 Winter Games. 

Transit authority TransLink says in a statement that Saturday's match at BC Place between Australia and Turkey saw daily boardings above one million, about 14 per cent higher than an average day. 

However, total daily trips on the entire system, including bus, SeaBus and SkyTrain, reached more than 648,000 that day, about 18 per cent higher than the daily average.

TransLink says ridership around BC Place for the match between Australia and Turkey surpassed both Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concerts and the Lionel Messi MLS match. 

The biggest increase was seen on the SeaBus, where TransLink reported 24,500 boardings on Saturday — a 37.4 per cent increase from the daily average of 17,800.

Saturday's game, won 2-0 by Australia, was the first of seven games Vancouver is scheduled to host in this year's FIFA World Cup tournament.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 15, 2026.

Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

CanadaNews
  • The Canadian Press

    The Canadian Press is Canada's trusted news source and leader in providing real-time, bilingual multimedia stories across print, broadcast and digital platforms. From breaking regional, national and international stories to the biggest events in politics, business, entertainment and lifestyle, The Canadian Press is there when it matters, giving Canadians an authentic, unbiased source, driven by truth, accuracy and timeliness.

Big World Cup win raises odds of Team Canada knockout matches in Vancouver

Win lifts odds of more Canada matches in Vancouver

So far, so, so good: Organizers, police and others hail Vancouver's World Cup

So far, so, so good for Vancouver's World Cup

Aussies rejoice as Vancouver takes its turn in World Cup spotlight

Aussies rejoice after Vancouver's World Cup debut

Lotto Max winning numbers for Friday, October 16 are out and there's a $90 million jackpot

We have a lot of Maxmillions and MaxPlus winners!

This gorgeous Ontario town was named among the top 10 destinations in the world for 2027

It's just road trip from Toronto.

I live for these 13 Canadian snacks that I can't find in the USA

Every time I cross the border into Canada, I'm stocking up on these. 🇨🇦

Ontario hospital in deficit cutting over 100 nursing roles, adding other positions

Ontario hospital cutting more than 100 RN roles

Ottawa adding new express entry points for immigrants in 'high-wage' jobs

New immigration express entry points being added

Costco, Walmart or Loblaws? Here's which store has the cheapest Halloween candy prices

Coffee Crisp, Aero, Ruffles, Swedish Berries, Caramilk, Mars, Twix, and more!

Government of Canada jobs for students that pay up to $34 an hour are open in these cities

Work experience isn't required.

This sugar-sand beach oasis is 3.5 hrs from Toronto and round-trip flights are under $350

You can escape the November chill. 🏝️

Three dead, others injured in fiery crash of Calgary transit buses

Three dead in fiery crash of Calgary transit buses