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Bringing people together in Tumbler Ridge through FIFA World Cup 2026 event

Press Release

May 12, 2026

VICTORIA –

Summary

  • Canada Celebrates brings the benefits of hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 to communities throughout B.C. and Canada with family-friendly, all-ages events
  • Tumbler Ridge is being added as the seventh B.C. stop, bringing people together to honour resilience and connect as a community
  • The Province of B.C. is providing $25,000 toward the event

Tumbler Ridge will be joining in the FIFA World Cup 2026 festivities on June 15, 2026, when Canada Celebrates brings a chance for the community to connect with watch parties, entertainment and soccer-themed interactive experiences.

“We are honoured to help create a moment of shared connection for the community of Tumbler Ridge, bringing the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and a chance to create new memories,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Beyond the tournament matches, this event will be a powerful reminder of community resilience, providing a chance to come together and leave a legacy of positive memories for young people and their families.”

Canada Celebrates is not only a gathering, but a space for community support, healing and resilience. Supported by community leaders, the event in Tumbler Ridge will focus on coming together in a thoughtful and respectful way. The programming is being guided by local voices to ensure the event reflects the community’s needs. The event will help support local businesses, encourage visitation, and highlight the strength and character of the people of Tumbler Ridge.

“Tumbler Ridge is proud to be included in Canada Celebrates and to share in the excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup 2026,” said Darryl Krakowka, mayor of Tumbler Ridge. “Over the past few months, our community has continued to support one another, and this event will provide an opportunity for people to gather, spend time together and enjoy a positive experience close to home. We’re grateful to the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada for recognizing Tumbler Ridge and helping bring this special event to our community.”

The Province is contributing $25,000 toward the event from the 2026 Community Event Support Fund. The one-time funding helps municipalities, regional districts and First Nations host free public events to ensure people in British Columbia can participate in the FIFA World Cup excitement and benefits. The federal government is also providing $25,000.

Canada Celebrates

Canada Celebrates will bring the excitement of the biggest FIFA World Cup in history to 38 stops in 34 communities. Delivered as a series of free, one-day community celebrations throughout the country, Canada Celebrates will bring soccer fans together for live match viewings, football-themed interactive experiences, cultural programming, music, food and shared moments of national pride. Canada Celebrates is a fan experience, recognizing that supporters and communities are essential to the FIFA World Cup and creating welcoming spaces where people can gather, celebrate and connect through soccer.

The Province is supporting communities to host Canada Celebrates through the 2026 Community Events Support Fund. The one-time funding was provided to 33 communities to ensure people in British Columbia can feel connected to and benefit from the World Cup festivities.

Quotes:

Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport) and Canada’s FIFA Sherpa –

“Sport has a unique power to bring people together and create moments of connection that go far beyond the field of play. This summer, Canada Celebrates will help bring that spirit to Tumbler Ridge at a time when community, connection and resilience matter deeply. The Government of Canada is pleased to work with all partners to support a meaningful, family-friendly event where the Tumbler Ridge community can gather, share and take part in the World Cup tournament experience.”

Victor Montagliani, vice-president, FIFA Council and president, CONCACAF –

“At its core, Canada Celebrates is a fan experience, recognizing that supporters and communities are essential to the FIFA World Cup. We want every community stop to be a welcoming space, where people can gather, celebrate and connect through football. We look forward to bringing this experience to Tumbler Ridge.”

Quick Facts:

  • The Province is also offsetting any additional planning and operational supports for the District of Tumbler Ridge.
  • Six other communities in B.C. will have Canada Celebrates events during the FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament period: June 11, 2026, until July 19, 2026.

Learn More:

Contact:

Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
Media Relations
250-886-4307

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