How World Cup Euphoria Reaches Indonesian Diaspora in Vancouver

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The 2026 World Cup not only brings excitement for fans but also has an economic impact on local residents and the Indonesian diaspora working in Vancouver, Canada.

Speaking with ANTARA in Vancouver on Monday, July 6, Evan Phangkawira, a member of the Indonesian diaspora, shared his experience working as a waiter at a Vancouver restaurant during the World Cup season. According to him, the number of visitors has skyrocketed since the football tournament kicked off, causing his restaurant's turnover to nearly double its normal daily figure.

"In one day, our sales can reach around 60,000 Canadian dollars. Usually, it's around 30,000 dollars," said Evan.

The increase in guests directly impacts the income of restaurant workers through the tipping system. Moreover, the summer season naturally brings the number of visitors up. 

"It's usually busy during the summer, but the World Cup makes it even busier. Tipping income also increases by about one and a half times," said Evan.

As a country with a big tipping culture, in Canada, a portion of the waitstaff's tips are distributed to the kitchen staff, food runners, and other employees through a system called tip-out.

The restaurant where Evan works also offers various World Cup-themed promotions, including drink packages in collaboration with one of FIFA's official sponsors. Through this program, customers have the opportunity to receive official souvenirs and match tickets.

The World Cup atmosphere in Vancouver is most palpable at the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE), which hosts the FIFA Fan Festival, a free and official FIFA event filled with various activities, including group viewings, music performances, and a food bazaar.

During the tournament, Evan interacted with fans from various countries, including Switzerland, Colombia, Egypt, and Mexico. It's certainly a memorable experience, he said, meeting football fans from all over the world.

Although he was able to experience the excitement of the World Cup firsthand in Canada, Evan still harbors a hope: to see the Indonesian national team compete in the World Cup finals.

"Of course I want to see Indonesia play in the World Cup. It would be a great honor to wear the Indonesian jersey and fly the Indonesian flag in the stadium alongside other countries. Hopefully, in the next eight or ten years, that can happen," said Evan.

Read: Who Will Perform at First-Ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show?

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News

Who Will Perform at First-Ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show?

6 jam lalu

Justin Bieber Joins Lineup for Historic FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show

7 jam lalu

2026 World Cup Preview: France, Morocco Battle for a Semifinal Spot

10 jam lalu

Egypt's Wrath After World Cup Exit: 'The Match Was Rigged'

1 hari lalu

Why Is Argentina's World Cup Win Over Egypt Causing Controversy?

1 hari lalu

2026 FIFA World Cup Quarter-Finals: Full Match Schedule

1 hari lalu

Fact Check: Did FIFA Turn Iran vs Egypt World Cup Match Into LGBTQ Celebration?

1 hari lalu

2026 World Cup Golden Boot Standings: Messi Back on Top After Egypt Clash

1 hari lalu

Why Did VAR Rule Out Egypt's Goal Against Argentina?

1 hari lalu

Switzerland Beat Colombia on Penalties to Reach First World Cup Quarterfinal Since 1954

1 hari lalu