The fusion of culture and the global excitement of soccer brought Anacla together with neighbouring communities on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, for a monumental FIFA World Cup Watch Party and Community Day.
Tuesday’s festivities were among many other watch parties and community events since June organized by the 2026 Alberni Valley Indigenous-Led Soccer Community Celebration, a historic regional festival funded by the Province of British Columbia through a $90,000 grant from the 2026 Community Event Support Fund. The initiative represents a powerful partnership between the Hupačasatḥ, c̓išaaʔatḥ (Tseshaht), and Huu-ay-aht First Nations, aimed at creating a lasting sports legacy and bringing Truth and Reconciliation to life through soccer.
The morning kicked off at the Upper Anacla Field with an energetic soccer clinic led by Sam Hodgetts from Ditidaht First Nation. Around 15 eager young participants from the communities of Nitinat, Anacla, and Bamfield took to the field to sharpen their skills and run through drills.
By midday, the action shifted to the House of Huu-ay-aht. Attendees were treated to a warm welcome ceremony and a barbecue lunch prepared by Sarah Johnson. While lunch was served, citizens, community members, and visitors connected with hands-on cedar bark weaving lessons.
In the afternoon, the House of Huu-ay-aht transformed into a world-class sports arena for the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup match between Switzerland and Colombia.
Equipped with chairs and community spirit, Huu-ay-aht Citizens gathered with visitors from Nitinat, Bamfield, Port Alberni, and Pachena Bay Campground.
The viewing experience was brought to life by Five Acre Co. Staging and Productions Services, who installed a massive 8×14-foot screen paired with a superior, stadium-quality sound system. The immersive audiovisual setup delivered an electric atmosphere, leaving attendees feeling as though they were at the game.
The Switzerland-Colombia match went to extra time, remaining scoreless after 120 minutes before moving to penalties. Ruben Vargas struck the winning penalty to secure a 4-3 shootout victory for Switzerland, advancing the team to the quarterfinals.
Huu-ay-aht First Nations would like to raise our hands to the event organizers at the 2026 Alberni Valley Indigenous-Led Soccer Community Celebration, the Province of British Columbia, Sam Hodgetts, Sarah Johnson, Five Acre Co., and all attendees. Your hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed, and it allowed our communities to celebrate together.
If you are looking for a place to watch the FIFA World Cup final on Sunday, July 19, 2026, the Alberni Valley Indigenous-Led Soccer Community Celebration will host the game at The KCC (4090 Hollywood St.) in Port Alberni. Doors open at 10 a.m.; the game starts at 12 p.m. The event is free and for all ages, with food, beverages, and the community coming together!
