The FIFA World Cup's departure from Vancouver is imminent, and the city's official stores are gearing up for their final days. The FIFA World Cup 2026 Store, with its three downtown locations, is set to close its doors, marking the end of an era. As the tournament concludes this weekend, the stores are in a frenzy to clear out their inventory, offering deep discounts on merchandise. Scarves, hockey-style jerseys, T-shirts, bucket hats, and baseball caps are all available at reduced prices, with some items even half-off. The Granville Street location, in particular, is a treasure trove for bargain hunters, with a wide range of items on sale. The FIFA Fan Festival, a highlight of the World Cup experience, will come to a close on Sunday, as Spain and Argentina battle it out in the championship final. The downtown stores, however, will remain open until July 31, providing a last chance for fans to purchase memorabilia and souvenirs. The rapid transition from the World Cup to regular life is already evident. BC Place, the tournament's main venue, is undergoing changes. The temporary grass pitch is being removed, making way for a new artificial turf field. The first post-World Cup event at BC Place will be a BC Lions game on July 25, followed by a Vancouver Whitecaps match on August 1. The stadium's calendar for August is packed, with three Whitecaps matches, two Lions games, and three concerts featuring AC/DC, Noah Kahan, and Guns N' Roses. The FIFA branding at Science World will remain until September, and Granville Street, pedestrianized for the World Cup, will remain car-free until the end of the summer. As the city prepares for the post-World Cup era, it's a reminder that major events like these leave a lasting impact, transforming spaces and shaping the city's future.
