On this episode of The Tewanee Joseph Show, host Tewanee Joseph and co-host Koru Joseph reflect on the successful conclusion of FIFA World Cup Vancouver 2026, celebrating it as a historic milestone for both the region and the host First Nations. Having spent two and a half years working behind the scenes on the event’s memorandum of understanding, Tewanee discusses how Vancouver earned its ranking as the top host city across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. He attributes this achievement to the region’s strong collaborative relationships and its benchmark model for Indigenous inclusion, planning, and hosting. The hosts highlight the immersive experiences at the FIFA Fan Festival at the Pacific National Exhibition—which welcomed over 500,000 visitors—as well as the Squamish Nation watch parties held at Chief Joe Mathias Centre and Totem Hall, which fostered community-wide connections and celebrated culture alongside soccer fans from around the world.
The episode also emphasizes meaningful cultural exchanges and long-term legacies generated throughout the tournament. Tewanee and Koru recall impactful moments, including an unscripted protocol meeting and gift exchange with the New Zealand men’s national team, a signing ceremony between the Squamish Nation and Destination Vancouver, and a concert where Tewanee’s group, the Dreamwalkers, performed alongside the Sheepdogs. To ensure the event remained accessible to the community, a youth ticketing program provided over 70 Squamish Nation youth the opportunity to attend live World Cup matches at BC Place. Ultimately, the hosts express their hope that participants and international visitors alike remember Vancouver 2026 as the most inclusive, community-driven FIFA host city in history.
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