Kansas City will host six FIFA World Cup matches in the summer of 2026. Whether you’re a local or among the hundreds of thousands of people expected to travel in, KCUR put together some pointers for what to expect from the tournament — and how to become a soccer fan.
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Courtesy of Jim Portuguez / Crysta Henthorne KCUR 89.3Kansas City will be the smallest city in North America to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But it may not have embraced the sport at all, if not for the efforts of early immigrants who fought for the beautiful game — before there were even soccer fields to play on. -
Courtesy of Jim Portuguez / Crysta Henthorne / KCUR 89.3Kansas City será la ciudad más pequeña de Norteamérica en ser anfitrión de la Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026. Pero es posible que no hubiera adoptado este deporte en absoluto, de no ser por el esfuerzo de los primeros inmigrantes que lucharon por este deporte, incluso antes de que existieran los campos de fútbol.
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Kansas City will test out a new expansion of the legal drink-serving window during the FIFA 2026 World Cup. The temporary rule aims to boost tourism and business, while regulators stress safety and prepare for an unprecedented surge in nightlife activity. -
The Metropolitan Organization Countering Sexual Assault, or MOCSA, is doing 200 trainings for bar and restaurant workers after officials noticed an uptick in reports of sexual assault during the 2023 NFL Draft, which was in Kansas City. Adding to their fears is a temporary allowance for 23-hour-a-day alcohol sales. -
An estimated 650,000 fans will travel to Kansas City to watch six matches during the FIFA World Cup 26, and arts and culture leaders want to be a part of the moment. The sector has gathered each month to stay informed and on track. -
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is fast approaching, and Kansas City will host a massive fan festival on the National WWI Museum and Memorial lawn. Read on for a first look. -
The city will fund entrepreneurs, artists and leasing support for landlords who open pop-up shops in vacant buildings for the thousands of people who come to Kansas City for the World Cup next year. $10,000 grants will be available through the newly announced Open Doors! Program. -
Many soccer fans were excited that the men's World Cup would be coming to the U.S. next year — including six games in Kansas City, Missouri — until they discovered how much FIFA is charging for tickets.
