Vancouver to stage 76th FIFA Congress before 2026 FIFA World Cup

Vancouver City has been selected as the host city for the upcoming 76th FIFA Congress on April 30, 2026. The announcement, made by FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the 75th FIFA Congress in Asunción, Paraguay, revealed that VIP congress will place the delegates of all the 211 FIFA member associations in one of Canada's host cities of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Canada achieved an important victory in the international football world when Vancouver was selected as the host city for the 76th FIFA Congress to be held only weeks ahead of the beginning of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The selection puts Vancouver not just as a game location but also as an international football politics center. FIFA President Gianni Infantino spoke of his excitement with the choice, Vancouver being a ‘beautiful host city’ that has the spirit of the tournament. “I am delighted to confirm that the 76th FIFA Congress will be held in Vancouver, Canada, on the 30th of April, 2026,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino told the Congress. “We very much look forward to welcoming you all in Vancouver... a beautiful host city of the FIFA World Cup in 2026.”The congress will host more than 700 delegates: one representative from each of FIFA's 211 associations, representatives of FIFA's six confederations, international media representatives, and commercial interests. The FIFA Congress is the governing body's supreme governing assembly and will feature prominently in shaping the future of the sport—decisions to be made soon include the hosts of the 2031 and 2035 FIFA Women's World Cup. Vancouver is therefore the second Canadian city to stage the prestige biennial congress, after Montreal hosted it in 1976 during then-president João Havelange's reign. CONCACAF President and FIFA Vice-President Victor Montagliani referred to the Congress as a ‘festival of football.’“It's one of the major events annually for FIFA,” said Montagliani. “Outside of a World Cup or a competition, it's our biggest event because it's our annual meeting.” Also read: FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule: Full fixtures, match dates, venues, and how to buy tickets – Check detailsWith key decisions pending and global football leaders converging on Canadian soil, the event is expected to be both a strategic gathering and a celebration of the beautiful game.