‘A real football stadium’: Belgian star speaks highly of BC Place

Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne (7) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's third goal during the World Cup Group G soccer match between New Zealand and Belgium in Vancouver, British Columbia, Friday, June 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

One of soccer’s biggest names was complimentary of Vancouver’s BC Place after his team’s World Cup match in the arena.

34-year-old Kevin De Bruyne scored a goal and helped Belgium to a 5-1 win over New Zealand on Friday night, capping off Vancouver’s share of group stage matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

De Bruyne said, although he had only been in the city for a short time, he was quite happy with his experience.

“I have to say it was a really nice stadium to play,” he said to reporters after the match. “It feels like a real football stadium for me.”

De Bruyne said the other two stadiums he played in to this point in the tourney, in Seattle, Washington, and Inglewood, California, were “massive” but had more of an “NFL feeling.”

“You felt it on the pitch, it’s a bit different,” he said. “It was a pleasure.”

Earlier in the week, Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah appeared to enjoy his time in Vancouver as well, celebrating in the streets after his squad’s own win over New Zealand.

• Related: Egyptian soccer legend spotted celebrating with fans in Vancouver streets following historic win

Vancouver has recently had success attracting soccer stars in the latter stages of their careers, with German legend Thomas Müller joining the Whitecaps in August 2025, according to TSN.

This all comes in a year in which speculation and concern about the Vancouver Whitecaps’ tenure at BC Place has been consistent.

The Whitecaps have been up for sale since December 2024, with owners citing challenges related to stadium control and revenue sharing at BC Place. Meanwhile, an investor group has submitted a bid to move the team to Las Vegas.

The provincial and federal governments have said they’re committed to keeping the club in Vancouver, while the current Whitecaps ownership said attracting a credible local ownership group is still the club’s top priority.

“A Vancouver solution remains our primary goal,” the club said in a statement. “Achieving it will require the full commitment of the entire community.”

With files from Todd Coyne