World Cup KC

The World Cup has come and gone in Kansas City. What could the city's success as a host city mean for future events?

Kansas City hosted six matches over the course of the tournament, which was largely considered a success. Pam Kramer, CEO of KC2026, says Kansas City grew its reputation during the tournament.

After opening this spring, the Rock Island Bridge development over the Kansas River welcomed scores of soccer fans for World Cup watch parties. The development is planning to host more festivals, public art, expanded historical programming and new retail opportunities.

More people signed on to run Airbnbs, VRBOs and other short-term home rentals in anticipation of an influx of visitors. With more places in the market, occupancy rates actually went down — but prices went up.

It'll be a while before we get a complete picture of how the 2026 FIFA World Cup benefits Kansas City long-term. But if this truly is Soccer Capital of the U.S., now is the moment to prove it: Both Sporting KC and the KC Current are resuming their regular seasons with home games in the next week.

Kansas City opened its doors to thousands of international visitors during the World Cup. What kind of impressions did we make?

Not every business saw a boost from visiting fans, but some leveraged a prime location, ingenuity in planning, or a personal connection to get a boost from the FIFA World Cup's stint in Kansas City.

After neighbors in the Historic Northeast raised concerns about a deteriorating, three-block-long mural, city crews and hundreds of volunteers joined forces to repaint and restore it. Neighborhood leaders say the work will help renew a sense of pride.

The United States, Mexico, and Canada co-hosted the nearly six-week tournament. NPR's team of journalists who covered the World Cup reflects on the experience.

Kansas City hosted six matches during the monthlong tournament, which cost nearly $200 million in public funds for this region’s part alone. Did local businesses actually benefit in the end? Or will the event’s impact only be felt years down the road?

A temporary city policy allowed 16 bars to stay open and sell alcohol until 5 a.m. during the World Cup. Some owners said businesses saw an influx of foreign visitors because of it, and now want the city to make the change permanent.

On top of organizing a Union Station marketplace that drew more than 120,000 visitors, City of Entrepreneurs’ Open Doors! program led to unexpected collaboration opportunities between cohort members.