The real story of FIFA World Cup 2026 was not only what happened inside the stadiums. It was also what happened in the streets, plazas, restaurants, transit stations and public spaces that make downtown the civic heart of a community. For one remarkable month, downtowns across North America served as gathering places for locals and visitors from around the globe. While stadiums hosted the matches, downtowns shaped the broader experience: people celebrated, explored, supported local businesses and formed lasting impressions of their host communities.
Long before the first anthem played, IDA members formed a FIFA Working Group in May 2025 that met virtually to prepare for the opportunities and challenges the World Cup would bring. After the final match and reflecting on their experience, the group identified a common theme. The anxiety and uncertainty that shaped much of the planning process gave way to something far more powerful once fans arrived: civic pride, community connection and a renewed appreciation for the role downtowns play as places where people come together.
The stories shared by host communities, and reported through the media, showed how the tournament tested downtown operations, public spaces, mobility and culture in ways that reached well beyond soccer.
In Boston, Scotland’s traveling supporters reportedly strained beer supplies at several local gathering places, prompting extra deliveries. The good-natured story also underscored a serious reality for downtown leaders: major events test local business readiness, supply chains and a community’s ability to welcome large numbers of visitors in real time.
In Vancouver, the World Cup became a catalyst for reimagining public space. Five blocks of Granville Street were transformed into a pedestrian-oriented district with patios, public art, markets, entertainment and gathering spaces. The activation extended beyond the tournament, drawing more than 500,000 Fan Festival participants and showing how major events can help communities test ideas with lasting relevance.
Seattle’s experience highlighted the value of long-term investments in mobility and access. Expanded transit service, pedestrian-focused zones, waterfront activations and fan gathering spaces showed how transportation and placemaking can support major events while improving the everyday systems residents rely on.
Toronto demonstrated the power of culture and inclusivity. Through programming at Fort York and The Bentway, the city embraced its host theme, “The World in a City,” bringing together soccer, art, music, food and cultural expression in a way that reflected both the city’s diversity and the global game.
As I listened to IDA members reflect on their experiences, I was struck by how similar their observations became once the event was underway. Regardless of city size, geography or role in the tournament, members consistently returned to the same themes: public spaces matter, local businesses matter and people are looking for opportunities to connect with one another. The matches may have brought people together, but downtown districts created the environment where those connections occurred.
The IDA FIFA Working Group identified several lessons from host communities. Coordinating a global event strengthened local partnerships and highlighted the value of experienced downtown leadership. Clear communication is needed to counter messages that discourage downtown visitation, while open streets, transit improvements and public space activations allowed communities to test ideas with long-term potential. Culture, food and entertainment transformed global attention into meaningful experiences for residents and visitors alike. Members also emphasized the importance of measuring and communicating impacts so downtown value can be demonstrated through both data and community outcomes.
Perhaps the most important takeaway, however, was not about the World Cup itself. It was about the value of the IDA community.
Throughout the planning and execution of the tournament, members of IDA’s FIFA Working Group shared ideas, solved problems, compared approaches and learned from one another in real time. As challenges emerged, downtown leaders had access to a trusted network of peers navigating similar circumstances. As successes occurred, lessons and strategies traveled quickly across cities, regions and national borders. This is IDA at its best.
The World Cup will certainly be remembered for many remarkable moments on the field. But for downtown leaders, the more enduring legacy may be what happened off the field, both in our towns and within the IDA professional community.