Switzerland 🇨🇠vs Algeria 🇩🇿 at BC Place
World Cup fever is spreading in Vancouver, which has been coincidentally voted 2026’s best host city. And whether Canada is playing or not, the city is turning up to watch and cheer on every match, choosing their favourite and latching on to the competitive spirit of these games.
I had the privilege of attending the second to last live game held in Vancouver at BC Place. This is my true account of the proceedings, not the game and match itself, but the journey from getting to the stadium to what a hospitality ticket with lounge access entails.
First of all getting around and to the arena. It is advisable to take transit, taxi, or ride share. Many of the roads are closed off, traffic is congested and at points painfully bottle necked. My Lyft driver even gave up and took me as close as he could figure out, which was still several blocks away. And this travel time was then lengthened with the need to walk around the patricians and only enter via specific access points. Security is tight with plenty of armed police in tactical gear. There were even dogs muzzled, should the need for them arose.
Like at an airport entries require walking through a metal detector and getting your bag checked. Tonight we had the misfortune of rain and many folks brought their umbrellas. Those who had larger ones were forced to relinquish them with security check in, whereas smaller compact models made it through. The stadium does not allow umbrellas as they believe it would be used to obstruct the view of others once within the stadium. So I would not advise bringing one should it rain for the last game. I was clever to dress in layers and dawn a waterproof jacket with hood to shield. This was enough to keep me somewhat dry.
After passing through security, there is still some ways to walk to reach the stadium. Along this partitioned path are drink vendors and even a stall for merch purchases. Would this have been a sunny day it would have been an enjoyable walk and feel much like moving within a parade. Instead, we were clamouring to get into the stadium and keep dry.
Once inside it was a frenzy and thankfully I came with a group, so was able to follow the leader. We were seated in section 228, row MM, and seat 4 for me specifically.
We entered through hospitality and was given a wrist band for entry and access. This and the complementary keepsake lanyard given out everywhere would make great souvenirs of the day and the occasion.
The lounge spanned the entire width of the stadium with first come first served seating and access to food and drink. There were several tables of buffet dining that included chips and dip with pico de gallo, guacamole and hummus. A cheese board with dried fruit and hard crackers. Raw veggies and dip and a selection of hot food in heated troughs. The latter included mac and cheese, bbq ribs, corn on the cob, spring rolls, and Korean style fried chicken. There was even a black and white tuxedo cake for dessert. I had a little bit of each before focusing my attention towards the bar. The food was your classic and familiar concession stand meets all you can eat favourites. They went down easy and there was a lot of it, no real complaints. I got what I expected.
The bar was also open and included a selection of beer from the FIFA sponsor Michelob light, wines in all three shades, and a selection of signature cocktails named after Vancouver. It is advised that lounge ticket holders come early and drink their fill as it is included in the ticket price, and because the bar closes and drinks are not served once the game starts. It only opens again once the match has concluded. Thankfully game day stadium rules apply and you can double fist, bringing at least two cups to your seat to nurse on during the game.
I tried the Lions Bay Sunrise which was a lemony rum number with Captain Morgan White Rum, Kumquat Purée, and Basil Lemonade. And the Paper Seaplan was gin based with Tanqueray No. Ten, Rhubarb Liqueur, Lemon Juice, Preserved Rhubarb, Cardamom Syrup, and Club Soda for a tart and tangy number. I was not a fan of this was I swear it tasted like liquorice. I also enjoyed some white wine with my food and red to end the night on.
When time we walked to our seats, which was only a sectioned off gate away from the lounge with its tables and benches. I was lucky to be able to get a seat directly in front of the walking path, which meant I had the room and ability to stretch my legs. If you could reserve this one for yourself, I would recommend that you do. This is the equivalent of getting a seat on the airplane by the emergency exit.
As for the match itself, it started with the warm-up, starting lineup coming to the field and being received with cheers, the opening of the flags, and the singing of both competing national anthems, before the countdown and kickoff.
I came into this without a favourite specific team that I wanted to cheer for, but couldn’t help but to get developed in the energy of the surrounding crowd. Based on the colours, the jerseys, and the volume of cheering they appear to be more Switzerland fans. However, the Algerian fan base seemed more exuberant and ready to cheer on their team. Despite their effort the first goal went to Switzerland and at halftime it ended with 1:0.
I did break away to attempt to shop the FIFA fan store. There were none located on the lounge floors so my trek down to the second floor cost me time and a closer spot in line. I am a fan of purchasing merch at a concert, as memorabilia and for memory sake, so figured that such a momentous occasion deserved one as well. Not the mention the reusable bags were quite the collector’s item. Sadly during my wait in line I missed the first goal of the second half waiting. This was another for Switzerland. The wait yielded nothing as I didn’t like any of the apparel and couldn’t see myself wearing it beyond this day, so passed. I was also tasked with finding my friend a Canadian jersey in a men’s large, but this too proved fruitless as they were sold out. A fact that was not written or signed on display, that would have been most helpful for those lining up or passing by. My time here was wasted.
I came back to a 2:0 Switzerland game and an amazing Swiss net save 10 minutes later. Sadly, for Algeria, even with an additional six minutes added to the game they were unable to move the needle. In the end the score stayed 2:0 to conclude.
When first entering we were given a gift card that we could redeem for a commemorative FIFA coin on the way out. This I found more precious than the merch I could have bought, and the stuffies or keychains and Knick knacks I could have gotten from other licenced vendors outside of BC Place today.
From there, it was the mad rush out of the stadium. Thankfully, I wore the right clothes and shoes, and had no problem walking the distance. I would bypass the skytrain, seeing the bodies move towards it and the eventual like I would have to join. Instead, I walked as far as I could, and once out of crowd sight, was able to call a rideshare to get my way back to Burnaby Heights.
In closing, this was a great experience and a once in a lifetime memory. I am grateful for being able to be a part of it and share the experience with you here.
