Maple Ridge, B.C., April 1, 2026 – Maple Ridge residents and businesses are invited to get their soccer spirit on as the City of Maple Ridge announces it has received $80,000 in funding from the Government of British Columbia to host the “Game On: Soccer Viewing Parties” celebrating the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

The month-long series of community events will bring residents together to cheer on world-class athletes and share in the excitement of one of the world’s largest sporting events, while supporting the local economy. Learn more at: MapleRidge.ca/GameOn2026

“Maple Ridge, let’s get ready to come together, cheer for Team Canada and celebrate the global love of soccer with a month of free, family-friendly events,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “These events are a great opportunity for our community to connect, be part of the excitement of the World Cup, and create lasting memories while also supporting our local businesses by bringing more people into our downtown.”

While details are still being finalized, the Game On: Soccer Viewing Parties are scheduled as follows:

Friday, June 12 (Canada vs Bosnia-Herzegovina) – Starts at 12:00 p.m., Memorial Peace Park

Thursday, June 18 (Canada vs Qatar) – 2:00–7:00 p.m., Memorial Peace Park (game: 3p.m.)

Wednesday, June 24 (Canada vs Switzerland) – Starts at 12:00 p.m., Memorial Peace Park

Wednesday, July 1 (Canada Day) – 1:00 and 5:00 p.m. games, The ACT Arts Centre

Tuesday, July 14 (semi-final) – Starts at 12:00 p.m., Memorial Peace Park

Wednesday, July 15 (semi-final) – Starts at 12:00 p.m., The ACT Arts Centre

Sunday, July 19 (final) – Starts at 12:00 p.m., Memorial Peace Park

“On behalf of the City and Council, we extend our sincere thank you to the Province for supporting opportunities like this that bring people together,” said Mayor Ruimy.

The City gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the BC 2026 Community Event Support Fund from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.

“We are thrilled to help communities throughout B.C. share in the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026™,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “This is the world’s largest single-sport event and we’re making sure everyone can share in the energy, pride and social benefits of hosting. Through this funding, we’re creating more opportunities for people in B.C. to feel connected to the World Cup experience closer to home.”

All events will be accessible and family-friendly, with matches shown on giant screens at Memorial Peace Park and in the ACT Arts Centre theatre. Attendees can expect a high- energy fan experience, family activity zones, food trucks and local vendors, local business activations, prizes, entertainment and accessible seating options.

More details will be shared as plans are finalized. Residents are encouraged to save the dates, join in the celebration, and get more information at MapleRidge.ca/GameOn2026.

To view the official funding announcement from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, visit: news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026TACS0020-000332.

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Media Contact

Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager Corporate Communications and Public Engagement T 604 466 4319 C 778 955 4249 E Media@MapleRidge.ca