Soccer madness is beginning to hit the city of Vancouver as the 2026 World Cup approaches. While soccer is not wildly popular in Canada, Metro Vancouver has a team in Major League Soccer and in other leagues, including the Canadian Premier league. The city will host a number of matches, and in the lead up to the festivities, soccer-themed experiences are popping up throughout the city.
The CONCACAF house was showcasing at Jack Poole Plaza, where the Olympic cauldron is located. The term CONCACAF refers to The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football. Canada is part of this confederation and has thus earned its rightful place in the CONCACAF house.
Inside the space, organizers set up a number of soccer related activities such as video games and ball games, installations and displays with soccer paraphernalia, and even a bar with free ice cream.
These were colourful hand-painted soccer cleats representing each country of the football confederation.
What an excellent idea to showcase each country through the spirit of art and sports.
There were soccer table where visitors could sit and play with an opponent with a small ball.
There were also various trophies and miscellaneous items on display from past competitions in the region.
I saw an area where you could kick balls to try and score into holes of various sizes on the wall. I was going to try my fancy moves, but things got really wild in there with a group of adults and kids, so I just moved on. There were assistants walking around and ensuring that everyone understood the games and was having a good experience with a serving of ice cream. 🍧
In the following photo, the 2010 Winter Olympics cauldron is visible thorough the translucent wall of the house. The see-through walls was a great touch because it made me feel as if I was still on the plaza with a great view of the mountains in the background.
I look forward to our city welcoming the soccer world with open arms and bear hugs.
| X | InLeo | NFT Showroom |
