VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — The estimated cost of staging matches at BC Place Stadium during the 2026 World Cup has more than doubled over the past two years to $483 million to $581 million Canadian ($351 million to $422 million U.S,).

An estimate in March 2022 was $260 million Canadian ($330 million U.S.) for five games but the total was increased to seven matches by FIFA.

The document included costs for the city and the province along with stadium upgrades. The updated estimate factors hosting, operating and capital requirements following FIFA site visits, increased inflation assumptions and provincial costs such as public sector essential services.

“Sure, there’s going to be more costs and revenue, but if you stretch it over the long term, the benefits are massive, and they will more than pay for that deficit,” Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said Tuesday.