Port Alberni, British Columbia, is one step closer to hosting a global sports team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Alberni Valley Organizing Committee for FIFA 2026 announced that its bid to become an official training site has moved into the national review stage with Canada Soccer.
If the bid is successful, an international soccer team would use the community as its home base for training before the tournament begins. This would bring new visitors and global attention to the valley while the world focuses on the competition hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The progress follows months of work, including a visit from a high-level official from FIFA on July 3, 2025. During that visit, the city was evaluated to see if it had the right facilities and environment to host world-class athletes.
In December 2025, independent experts also performed field testing at Bob Dailey Stadium. These tests were conducted to ensure the playing surface meets the specific requirements needed for professional players to practice safely.
Local organizers, including former national team player Jamie Lowery, are encouraging residents to support the effort. The final decision will determine if the city will serve as a training site for the upcoming world championship tournament.
