BC Place roof decision for FIFA remains unclear as natural grass raises questions

Questions remain over whether the roof at BC Place will stay closed during the FIFA World Cup as natural grass is installed for the tournament.

According to the Vancouver Sun, the stadium’s retractable roof may need to remain shut due to concerns about “variation in light” affecting the temporary grass surface.

The move could impact fan experience during the seven matches scheduled in Vancouver in June and July including several daytime fixtures.

However, a FIFA World Cup spokesperson told Daily Hive that a final decision has not yet been made.

“The decision to open or close the roof at BC Place Vancouver during the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be determined by FIFA closer to match day(s),” the spokesperson said.

BC Place has featured a retractable roof since reopening in 2011 after major renovations. It previously hosted matches during the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup with the roof open, although artificial turf was used at the time.

Vancouver is one of 16 host cities for the 2026 tournament, which runs from 11 June to 19 July.

Seven matches are set to take place at BC Place, including group stage fixtures and knockout rounds, as the city prepares to host a major global sporting event.