Community groups in Vancouver are organizing protests during the FIFA Congress, which is taking place at the downtown Vancouver Convention Centre. The protests aim to challenge the perception of the World Cup as merely a celebration, highlighting the negative impacts on local residents, including increased policing, housing crises, and the cancellation of community events. Chantelle Spicer, co-director of the BC Poverty Reduction Coalition, emphasized the need to voice concerns about the long-term effects of hosting the World Cup, stating that the focus should not only be on the benefits touted by FIFA and government officials. Vancouver will host seven World Cup matches in June and July, with the first match between Australia and Turkey scheduled for June 13. The city's downtown location of BC Place stadium raises concerns about how the influx of visitors will affect local communities, particularly the Downtown Eastside, which is already facing a housing crisis. The protests reflect broader issues of affordability and access to public spaces in Vancouver, as community groups seek to ensure that the voices of residents are heard amid the celebrations surrounding the World Cup.