After 32 long years of waiting, the greatest sporting event in the history of the world comes back to American soil. But this will not be just another World Cup. This FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the first one in history to contain 48 national teams. Compared to previous events, 16 more teams will have the chance to live the dream of competing at a higher level of soccer. It will also be the first time the event will be developed between three countries: Canada, Mexico and the United States. Specifically, 16 cities will have the privilege of receiving multiple fans from all around the world, and where Kansas City has earned a place on the world stage.
Kansas City will host six matches: four group-stage games, one Round of 32 match, and one quarterfinal. From June 16 to July11, fans will have the privilege of watching Argentina, Ecuador, Netherlands and Algeria — teams that will have their base camps at Kansas City. Specifically, they will use the University of Kansas (Algeria), Sporting KC Training Center (Argentina), Swope Soccer Village (England) and the KC Current Training Facility (Netherlands). Though they don’t have any games in the city, England chose Kansas City as their base camp as well.
“Teams don’t choose base camps lightly,” said KC2026 CEO Pam Kramer in a news release. “When they come to Kansas City, they’re choosing world-class training environments and a region with deep soccer roots and an authentic, knowledgeable culture of hospitality. Hosting four national teams isn’t symbolic — it’s confirmation that our region stands among the best in the world to prepare for, support and inspire elite competition.”
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas agreed. “There is no place like Kansas City for global soccer talent in 2026, as our region hosts a historic four base camps during this year’s FIFA World Cup,” he said. “More than 650,000 people are expected from around the world.”
Additionally, the city will host the “FIFA Fan Festival.” Spanning across 18 days, this free, regional celebration will feature local and global food and beverage offerings, world-class entertainment and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. For this and the matches, Kansas City officials announced ConnectKC26, a regional transportation plan designed to give visitors and residents smooth, efficient travel during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Even though the competition is just around the corner, Kansas City began receiving $59 million in March, which is a share of a $625 million FEMA grant program earmarked to help the police scale up for the event. It will pay for overtime and officers from other police departments. Because of this, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed a $3.1 billion supplemental spending bill Wednesday that includes the $59 million in World Cup grants, paving the way for the money to go right out the door as soon as it comes in.
In addition, the city was awarded nearly $80 million from the federal government to pay for extra personnel and safety preparations.
As the countdown continues to see the best athletes of the world, Kansas City stands on the brink of a historic moment. From world-class teams establishing their base camps to millions in investment and preparation, the city is ready to step onto the global stage. Now, all that remains is for the games to begin.
