FIFA Recognized Training Base – Port Alberni

The FIFA Recognized Training Base – Port Alberni is one of the official training sites approved by FIFA for teams taking part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It is the only non-host city in Canada that has received this recognition so far.

The site will give national teams a place to train and get used to the time zone before their matches in Vancouver.

Background

Port Alberni is a small city of about 18,000 people on Vancouver Island. Local soccer has always been strong here, and when Vancouver was chosen to host World Cup matches in 2026, a group of residents decided to try to bring a team to the valley for training.

A community committee called the FIFA 2026 Vancouver Island Festivities Organizing Committee (co-chaired by Terry Deakin and Abu Jahangir) put the bid together. They pointed out the city's quiet location, natural beauty, and connections with the Hupačasath First Nation and Tseshaht First Nation.

Bid and FIFA visit

The formal application was sent in May 2025. The British Columbia Soccer Association and local politicians, including MP Gord Johns, wrote letters of support.

On July 3, 2025, FIFA's Executive Director of Stadium and Venue Management, Don Hardman, visited Port Alberni. He toured the fields, met with city councillors and residents, and later confirmed the city met all the required standards.

At first Langford was also in the running, but it withdrew its bid in August 2025, leaving Port Alberni as the only Vancouver Island option.

Out of 48 nations, the first 42 teams will choose their base camps after the World Cup draw in December 2025.

Facilities

The main training pitch is at **Bob Dailey Stadium**, which already has natural grass that meets FIFA rules. Extra fields at the Echo Centre complex will be used for recovery and youth clinics. Players and staff would stay at the **Best Western Barclay Hotel**.

The Alberni Valley Regional Airport can handle charter flights (up to Boeing 737 size), and the city has medical and rehabilitation services ready.

Importance

Even if no team ends up choosing Port Alberni, the FIFA recognition has already brought attention to the valley and its Indigenous communities. Locals hope it will lead to new youth soccer fields and tourism benefits that last beyond 2026.

As of November 2025, the site is still on FIFA's official list and waiting for a team to pick it.