Super sports enthusiast Brenda Chinn, a seasoned volunteer, offers valuable insights into the myriad unpaid roles available through FIFA for the upcoming 2026 men’s World Cup. With a wealth of experience in volunteering, including being named the 2025 Sport Tourism Canada volunteer of the year, Chinn has been an integral part of numerous events and tournaments in the Lower Mainland and beyond.
In a recent interview with CBC, Chinn was busy filming a volunteer video for the Vancouver World Cup, emphasizing the crucial role volunteers play as the heart and soul of any event, acting as the event’s ambassadors. She likened their importance to the blue jackets who welcomed guests during the 2010 Paralympic and Olympic Games.
FIFA has announced the opening of applications for approximately 65,000 volunteers needed across the 16 host cities in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico for the upcoming 104-match tournament. Vancouver alone requires between 2,500 and 3,000 volunteers for the seven games scheduled at B.C. Place in June and July, according to Jessie Adcock, the local host committee lead.
Adcock explained that the number of volunteers needed is determined by the city’s logistics, including facilitating movement between the airport, stadium, and fan festival at Hastings Park. Volunteer roles will range from city and tournament ambassadors to event operations, encompassing safety and security staff. Adcock anticipates a high demand for volunteer positions due to the unique opportunity to be part of the largest volunteer program FIFA has ever organized.
Regarding the decision not to pay volunteers despite FIFA’s substantial profits from the World Cup, Adcock emphasized that volunteerism adds a special element to major events, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Chinn highlighted that coveted volunteer positions include team hosts or roles that offer a close view of the action.
Canada, as a host nation, will automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup and is set to play two pool matches at B.C. Place in June. The tournament, expanded from 32 to 48 teams for the first time, will see the matchups determined through a draw later this year, according to FIFA.