A local group has moved a step further toward bringing World Cup soccer celebrations to the Alberni Valley. The Committee for Organizing Friendly Matches and Activities during the 2026 FIFA World Cup wants to piggyback on the excitement of the upcoming World Cup that will take place in Vancouver in summer 2026.
The group met for the first time on Jan. 16, 2025 to discuss the feasibility of bringing a FIFA "friendly" match to the Alberni Valley prior to the 2026 World Cup. Terry Deakin from INEO Employment chaired the committee, which includes secretary Abu Jahangir and other board members.
Members discussed updates on stakeholder engagement, representation from local First Nations and plans for organizing a high-profile friendly match featuring Team Canada and a popular international team. The committee has been in discussions with the BC Soccer Association, local government representatives and First Nations leaders "to solidify support and logistics," said Jahangir.
He said partnerships with Hupacasath First Nation and the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District are "confirmed," while discussions with other groups are ongoing.
The committee is exploring potential funding with the help of Community Futures of Alberni-Clayoquot and would like to hire a coordinator. A website has been launched, https://fwc26vifest.ca/, and a Facebook page has been created to garner ideas from community members.
Representatives from the local FIFA committee appeared before council at a committee of the whole meeting on Feb. 3 to present their tentative plans.
City of Port Alberni council was to consider writing a letter of support in principle at its Feb. 10 council meeting, after the News' print deadline.
