A coalition of civil liberties associations has expressed concern over Vancouver’s new draft action plan, which they argue falls short in addressing the potential displacement of the unsheltered population during the FIFA World Cup 2026. The groups are calling for the city to engage in more meaningful consultation with rights advocates and to develop stronger measures to mitigate this risk. Their joint statement criticized Vancouver’s FIFA Host City Committee for not proposing concrete actions that adequately address these concerns.
The committee acknowledged the vulnerability of the unsheltered population, particularly in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, but heavily relied on existing measures that may not adequately mitigate the risk. While Vancouver’s draft action plan, published on February 19, assures continued enforcement of protections under the provincial Residential Tenancy Act and Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act, rights groups argue these regulations do not protect the homeless.
A 2025 Deloitte report revealed that hosting the World Cup could lead to landlords earning up to 4200 CAD from short-term rentals, with 76% of respondents considering becoming Airbnb hosts. This highlights the importance of tenant protection laws, but as civil rights organizations point out, such laws do not extend to the unsheltered population. The draft plan also includes maintaining current housing services and bylaws, which critics argue are insufficient to address the housing crisis, let alone the expected pressures during the tournament.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Human Rights Framework, which applies to all host cities in the US, Canada, and Mexico, mandates the creation of action plans focusing on inclusion, safeguarding, and workers’ rights. It also emphasizes ensuring basic shelter and housing for everyone, as outlined in the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. Vancouver’s housing crisis is marked by a record high of 5,232 homeless individuals in 2025, representing a 141% increase since 2005. More details on the situation are provided in a recent report.
As cities gear up for the FIFA World Cup, the challenge remains to balance the economic benefits of hosting such events with the obligation to protect vulnerable populations. In Vancouver, the call for concrete, effective strategies to prevent the displacement of the city’s unsheltered residents poses a critical challenge for local authorities.