KANSAS CITY, Missouri – The heartland city known for jazz music, championship barbecue, and NFL glory is gearing up for an unexpected role on the world stage. Kansas City will serve as headquarters for some of soccer’s biggest stars during the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament scheduled for June 11 through July 19.
Despite ranking as the smallest among America’s 11 World Cup host cities, Kansas City has secured commitments from three powerhouse nations – defending champion Argentina, England, and the Netherlands – to establish their tournament operations there.
This means the Missouri metropolis will temporarily house wealthy international athletes, passionate supporters from around the globe, and what British media calls “WAGs” – the fashionably dressed spouses and partners of players. The accommodations will certainly differ from their previous World Cup experience aboard a cruise ship in Qatar.
Three decades ago when America last hosted the World Cup in 1994, Kansas City’s hosting application was rejected. Since then, soccer has taken root in the region, with the city investing in multiple elite-level training complexes. Its geographic position in America’s center also appeals to teams seeking to minimize cross-country travel between matches.
The metropolitan area, locally called KC, sits where two rivers meet and spans both Missouri and Kansas state lines. The Missouri portion holds greater fame and population, and will stage six World Cup contests including a quarterfinal at Arrowhead Stadium, where the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs play. Current world champions Argentina will conduct training sessions on the Kansas side, while England’s squad will lodge at a nearby hotel.
Though the region cannot match New York’s entertainment districts, Los Angeles’ dining reputation, or Miami’s coastal attractions, residents believe international guests will discover pleasant surprises.
Visitors will likely queue for the signature “burnt ends” brisket or hickory-smoked pork at legendary barbecue establishments like Arthur Bryant’s or Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, a former gas station eatery that earned recognition on late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain’s “13 places to eat before you die” compilation.
Jazz enthusiasts can experience live jam sessions at The Blue Room within the historic 18th & Vine District, while cinema lovers willing to take a road trip can follow the yellow brick road to the Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas.
“I think you come in and you expect Midwest cows walking down the street,” said Jake Reid, vice president of the Kansas City host committee. “But it’s got such a great arts and culture scene,” he said, and the people “just make you feel welcome.”
THE SWIFT EFFECT
Kansas City’s reputation centers on American football – the helmet-and-pads variety. The Chiefs have captured three recent Super Bowl titles, and their star tight end Travis Kelce is engaged to music icon Taylor Swift.
However, the metropolitan area has worked to brand itself as America’s “Soccer Capital.” It supports successful professional teams in both men’s and women’s leagues – Sporting Kansas City and KC Current – and has invested hundreds of millions over 15 years in cutting-edge training centers and stadiums.
Dani Welniak, communications vice president for the Current, credited Swift with boosting the city’s visibility. “We’re so excited that she’s a part of the Kansas City sports scene now, and I really hope and believe that she will show up for some of these World Cup matches because it is going to be a spectacle,” Welniak said.
The Netherlands, often considered the strongest nation never to claim a World Cup title, will use the Current’s training grounds for preparation. Dutch head coach Ronald Koeman announced in April after visiting the location that he considered it the “best option” for his squad.
“Sports culture in Kansas City is contagious,” said Kyra Carusa, a forward for the Current. “It’s exciting. It’s everywhere.”
‘COME PREPARED’
Argentina became the first nation in February to announce Kansas City as their tournament base, pointing to travel distances and available facilities. Superstar Lionel Messi, probably making his final World Cup appearance, and his teammates will launch their championship defense on June 16 against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium.
England won’t play any home games locally but will prepare at Swope Soccer Village – Sporting Kansas City’s former training ground – before traveling to Dallas, New York and Boston for their group stage encounters.
Teams headquartered in New York or Los Angeles “it’s going to be a little bit crazier, there’s probably a little bit more people hounding you,” said Reid. Kansas City, in comparison, “feels like home,” he said.
Visit KC, the city’s official tourism organization, projects approximately 650,000 people will arrive during the tournament period. However, hotel reservations are currently below projections according to an early May American Hotel and Lodging Association analysis.
At Joe’s Bar-B-Que, regular customer Camilla Thomas, 29, advised visitors to “come prepared,” as staff announced an order of pork spare ribs that completely filled the serving plate.
“It’s going to be much bigger portions than anyone in Europe is going to be used to,” she said.
