Canada's Ambassador: 2026 World Cup to be a Stage for Cultural Exchange
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Canada views the 2026 FIFA World Cup as an opportunity to showcase its culture, diversity, and respect for Indigenous peoples.
- The country is prepared to host visitors with a focus on safety, friendliness, and mutual respect.
- Canada will co-host 13 of the 104 matches with the United States and Mexico, with investments made in Toronto and Vancouver for stadiums and transportation.
Canada is gearing up to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, viewing the global event as a significant platform to showcase its cultural richness, diversity, and commitment to Indigenous reconciliation. Ambassador to Indonesia, Jess Dutton, emphasized that the tournament presents a unique chance to highlight Canadian values and communities.
"As Canadians, we see the World Cup as an opportunity to showcase Canadian culture, the diversity of our communities, and respect for Indigenous peoples, whose presence and partnership are an important part of hosting this event," Dutton stated during a press conference in Jakarta on June 10, 2026. He assured potential visitors that Canada is ready to welcome fans from around the world, prioritizing safety, hospitality, and mutual respect.
As Canadians, we see the World Cup as an opportunity to showcase Canadian culture, the diversity of our communities, and respect for Indigenous peoples, whose presence and partnership are an important part of hosting this event.
Canada is co-hosting the tournament with the United States and Mexico, with 13 out of the 104 matches scheduled to take place on Canadian soil. Significant investments have been made in the host cities of Toronto and Vancouver to upgrade stadium facilities, improve transportation connectivity, and enhance the overall visitor experience. The opening ceremonies are staggered, with Canada's kickoff on June 12, Mexico's on June 11, and the U.S.'s on June 13.
Ambassador Dutton also expressed hope that Canada's recently implemented electronic travel authorization (eTA) policy for eligible Indonesian citizens will encourage more visitors from Indonesia to attend the World Cup. The tournament, spanning from June 11 to July 19, 2026, will feature over 1,200 athletes from 48 national teams competing across the three host nations. Toronto Stadium will host the opening match on June 12, while Vancouver's BC Place Stadium is also a designated venue in Canada.
Canada is ready to welcome visitors to the 2026 World Cup from all over the world by prioritizing safety, friendliness, and a foundation of mutual respect.
Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.