A submission of documentation by the Province of British Columbia and the City of Vancouver led FIFA to approving the Canadian city as one of the country's two potential hosts.

The 54,000-capacity BC Place could host between three and five games, while BMO Field in Toronto and the Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton are also currently in the running to be one of Canada's venues.

British Columbia's Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Melanie Mark said the estimated cost of hosting games would be between CAD 240 million (£145 million/$190 million/€176 million) and CAD 260 million (£157 million/$206 million/€190 million), but the event would generate more than CAD 1 billion (£606 million/$792 million/€733 million).

"Major sporting events like this one have the power to inspire people to play, get involved and shine from the playground to the podium," said Mark.

"These are gains that will echo in our families and neighbourhoods for the next generation and beyond.

"We have given it our best shot. We look forward to FIFA announcing the host cities in the coming weeks and are hopeful that Vancouver will be selected."

Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart announced last month that the Government would put up to CAD 5 million (£3 million/$3.9 million/€3.6 million) towards a bid to bring the World Cup to British Columbia's largest city.

That would more than triple the CAD 1.5 million (£910,000/$1.1 million/€1.1 million) spent hosting nine games at the 2015 Women's World Cup.

The 2026 edition is due to be the first FIFA World Cup hosted by three countries and the first to feature 48 countries, up from 32 at the 1998 to 2022 editions.

The United States and Mexico are also set to stage matches with 11 and three host cities allowed, respectively.

Out of the 80 total matches, the US is expected to host 60 while Canada and Mexico are due to have 10 each.

FIFA has also hired Amy Hopfinger as chief strategy and planning officer for the 2026 World Cup while Dan Flynn has been named senior executive advisor for the event.