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The 45th Annual Nations Cup Soccer Tournament will be held June 5 - 7, 2026 in Richmond, BC.

Published 3:45 PDT, Wed June 3, 2026

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The 45th Annual Nations Cup Soccer Tournament will be held June 5–7, 2026 in Richmond, BC.

BY FLORENCE GORDON

Although I admit due to my personal experience I know a lot more about hockey, baseball and golf than I do about soccer, I’m in awe of the skill and talent demonstrated on a soccer field. Living on Ryan Road behind South Arm Community Centre where the soccer fields are utilized with games for the very young to the very active Seniors, whether it’s cold and raining or the sun is shining – the game must go on.

Such is the case with the annual Nations Cup Soccer Tournament held each year in Richmond. Last year I tagged along with a friend to a game and ended up coming back to watch several games. This year, the organizing committee have taken into consideration the 2026 FIFA World Cup so please note the date for the Nations Cup Soccer will be held June 5 – 7, 2026

Schedule
For full game schedule go to www.thenationscup.com

After extensive consultation with the City of Richmond, sponsors, and service providers, the Committee has chosen this weekend with the 2026 FIFA World Cup in mind. Vancouver’s host-city duties will place major demands on resources—security, fencing, food vendors, accommodations—and could affect player and spectator participation, as well as drive hotel and rental costs much higher. The first weekend of June avoids World Cup conflicts, peak travel season, and winter league playoffs—while preserving the quality and spirit of the tournament. We recognize this is a shift from our traditional July dates, but we’re hopeful you’ll embrace this one-time change and help make the 2026 Nations Cup a resounding success and the perfect prelude to the first ever World Cup hosted in our city.

This family-friendly multi-cultural sporting event showcases our community’s diversity through the beautiful game of soccer. The entire event is open to the public at no cost. This unique concept of grouping players based on their ethnic backgrounds and/or countries of origin creates an exciting atmosphere that provides a platform for people throughout the community to express their ethnic pride. Teams representing countries such as China, India, Croatia, England, Italy, Mexico, Serbia, Germany, Iran, Fiji, First Nations, and Scotland, just to name a few, are comprised of elite players from throughout the Province (and beyond) to compete for the coveted "Nations Cup" trophy.

The Tournament
This three-day event includes food trucks and a beer garden and all the sights and sounds of a World Cup atmosphere right here in our community. With 1,400 participants and averaging over 10,000 spectators over the course of the weekend, the tournament provides a vibrant showcase for some of our province's finest soccer talent.

With separate sections for Open Age Men, Open Age Women, Over 30 Men, Over 38 Men, Over 45 Men, Over 52 Men, and Over 59 Men, the tournament allows players from various age groups to compete in this exciting and entertaining event. Come on out, enjoy the pitch-side beer garden and international food vending area, show your colours, wave your flags, and be a part of the Nations Cup!

Photo courtesy Chung Chow
Content by thenationscup.com