The Chief Justice of the British Columbia Supreme Court announced that all criminal trials in four Lower Mainland courts will be rescheduled during the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to anticipated significant impacts on police and sheriff resources, traffic, and hotel availability.
All criminal trials in four B.C. courts to be rescheduled during FIFA World Cup
Canada
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The Chief Justice of the British Columbia Supreme Court announced that all criminal trials in four Lower Mainland courts will be rescheduled during the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to anticipated significant impacts on police and sheriff resources, traffic, and hotel availability.
Trending- 1 Monday (July 7, 2025): Chief Justice Ron Skolrood posted the notice.
- 2 July 8, 2025: Article published.
- 3 June 12 - July 8, 2026: Period during which the FIFA World Cup will take place and trials will be rescheduled.
- Rescheduling of all criminal trials and civil jury trials in affected courts
- Potential for delays in justice and for criminals to 'walk free' due to 'poor planning'
- Significant strain on police and sheriff resources
- Heavy traffic congestion in the Lower Mainland
- Potential lack of hotel rooms for jurors and out-of-town witnesses
- Public criticism regarding government planning for major events
What: The Chief Justice of the British Columbia Supreme Court, Ron Skolrood, announced that all criminal trials (jury and judge-only) and civil jury trials in four Lower Mainland court locations will be rescheduled during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This decision is due to anticipated significant strain on police and sheriff resources, heavy traffic, and potential lack of hotel rooms for jurors and witnesses.
When: The announcement was made on Monday (July 7, 2025). The rescheduling applies to the period from June 12 to July 8, 2026, during the FIFA World Cup.
Where: British Columbia, Canada, specifically the Lower Mainland, including Vancouver, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and New Westminster.
Why: The FIFA World Cup is expected to have 'very significant impacts' on court operations by drawing heavily on police and sheriff resources, causing severe traffic congestion that impedes suspect transport, and potentially limiting hotel availability for court participants.
How: Chief Justice Ron Skolrood issued a notice outlining the unavoidable service reductions. The court aims to maintain capacity for 'urgent matters' but acknowledges the substantial effects on resources required to support court operations.