Luck is not uniform.

The atmosphere surrounding the 2026 World Cup in Vancouver, Canada, is creating a mixed picture for local businesses: some are capitalizing on the influx of international customers, while others are being left out of the game.

Near BC Place stadium, the Coast Crafts store is experiencing what owner Kingsley Bailey calls "chaos," as football fans from all over the world scramble to buy souvenirs. "It's crazy," said Bailey, the store owner. "Customers are coming from everywhere. They're coming from all over the world."

Aquariums West, a tropical fish shop near the stadium, was closed for all seven games. Photo: CBS

You may also like

Why will Nmecha decide the fate of the German national team?With his superior physique and modern playing style, Felix Nmecha could be a key factor in helping the German national team defeat Paraguay in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup.

Argentina and their dream bracket at the 2026 World Cup: When the top spot in Group J proves its worth.With three consecutive wins in the group stage, Lionel Messi and his teammates have paved a favorable path to the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup, sparking debate about favoritism in the draw.

Uzbekistan national team coach Fabio Cannavaro: "The World Cup is very tough."Following the 1-3 defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the final group stage match of the 2026 World Cup, coach Fabio Cannavaro acknowledged the harsh realities of the world's biggest tournament and called for increased investment in youth development to prepare for future World Cups.

The souvenir shop has become a popular destination for tourists looking to buy affordable World Cup memorabilia. Among the items, Bailey's handmade refrigerator magnets bearing the inscription "Vancouver WC 2026" have become unexpectedly popular.

Meanwhile, FIFA's strict licensing regulations have caused difficulties for some other entrepreneurs. Dawn Moulton, owner of Cascadia Natural Pet Supply on Main Street, said she was asked by a distributor to remove FIFA-related images from football-themed teddy bears she advertised online. “About a year ago, a lot of suppliers contacted the store about FIFA-related items. There were balls, teddy bears, stuffed animals, and I chose one of them (the teddy bear),” Moulton said. “Then I posted them on my website with the title ‘FIFA bear.’ But FIFA asked me I needed to change that name.”

For some businesses in Vancouver, the World Cup meant complete closure. Aquariums West, a tropical fish shop near the stadium, had to close for all seven matches due to access issues and a sharp drop in customers. Kreig LeBlanc, the shop manager, said: “Losing seven days of revenue worries us. This will be a huge shock and will impact our business for months to come. Hopefully, we can recoup these losses.”

United States - Vietnam: Don't miss

Vietnam encourages US businesses to expand investment in high technology.On the morning of June 26th, at the Government Headquarters, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung received Mr. Jeff Place, Supply Chain Director of Coherent Group (USA). During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister affirmed that Vietnam encourages US businesses to expand investment, especially in high-tech, innovation, and semiconductor industries.

Encourage U.S. businesses to expand investment in high-tech sectors.Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung said that Vietnam welcomes US businesses to continue expanding their operations in Vietnam, especially in high-tech industries and sectors with high added value.

Vietnam and the United States strengthen cooperation in addressing the consequences of war.VTV.vn - On June 22, General Secretary and President To Lam received Acting Secretary of the US Navy Hung Cao.

Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/the-thao/worldcup-2026/van-may-khong-dong-deu-1046685