Five soccer stars heading to BC Place for World Cup matches
Kevin De Bruyne, Mohamed Salah, Romelu Lukaku, and others will play during Vancouver's five group-stage fixtures this month.
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Vancouver will host five FIFA World Cup group-stage matches at BC Place, and some of the world's biggest soccer players are coming to the city.
With rosters now official for the eight countries competing in Vancouver, fans can plan to see global superstars in action. Here are some of the notable players arriving:
Alphonso Davies, Canada's captain and Bayern Munich star, headlines both Canadian matches at BC Place. The only question is his availability — head coach Jesse Marsch has indicated Davies may not be ready for Canada's opening match and could need time before arriving in Vancouver.
Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne, considered one of soccer's most gifted passers, will appear June 26 when Belgium faces New Zealand. The 34-year-old Manchester City veteran won the Premier League six times and led City to its first Champions League title in 2022–23.
Egypt's Mohamed Salah, among the world's most prolific goal-scorers, brings his Liverpool pedigree when Egypt plays New Zealand on June 21. His 191 Premier League goals rank in the top five all-time, cementing his status as one of Africa's greatest forwards.
Romelu Lukaku, Belgium's veteran forward with 89 international goals, will also feature June 26. The Chelsea, Manchester United, and Inter Milan striker has scored nearly 250 goals at club level and earned the Bronze Boot at the 2018 World Cup — his third appearance at the tournament.
Turkey's Arda Güler, a 21-year-old Real Madrid midfielder, represents a breakout talent to watch. Recently named the Champions League's top under-23 player, Güler will lead Turkey's young squad when it opens against Australia on June 13.
Egypt's Omar Marmoush rounds out the standout players, bringing dynamic forward play when his team faces New Zealand. A constant pressure creator, Marmoush is Egypt's most exciting attacking option.
Tickets and viewing options are available through official World Cup channels. The festival atmosphere around BC Place will be intense — don't miss the chance to see these world-class players compete.