U.S.

U.S.-Canada border barriers in place on FIFA World Cup game days

Published 12:38 pm Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Temporary barriers have been placed at Peace Arch Park on the U.S.-Canada border because of FIFA World Cup 2026. (Julie MacLellan/Peace Arch News)

Many have noticed there are new barriers at Peace Arch Park in South Surrey, located at the iconic memorial at the Canada-United States border.

The temporary barriers, placed inside the memorial arch and beside it on the border between the two countries, sparked debate in social media groups after some posted photos and video.

“This has to be a hoax,” one post said, while another suggested it’s because of FIFA and Vancouver co-hosting the World Cup.

Another person who posted suggested taking it down, while others posted about how they have no desire to travel to the U.S.

One post noted a Washington state immigration lawyer was talking about it on the radio, saying Canadian authorities put the barriers in place so people don’t go further south than the 49th parallel while at the park.

Peace Arch News reached out to Canada Border Services Agency, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, B.C. and federal RCMP, and the Washington State parks department, after the CBSA deferred all questions to the RCMP and/or U.S. agencies, and after a USCBP email said the state of Washington — likely the parks department — “apparently” put up the barriers.

On the BC Parks website, a notice shares that there will be increased visitor activity and border presence because of World Cup 2026.

“As Vancouver and Seattle host FIFA World Cup matches throughout June and July 2026, Peace Arch Park is expected to welcome more visitors than usual. Visitors may also notice an increased presence of border officials and RCMP personnel,” the online post said.