Kansas City Prepares to Host 2026 World Cup

The city's soccer history has been a journey, but it's now ready for the global spotlight.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Kansas City is gearing up to host six 2026 FIFA World Cup matches this summer, marking a major milestone for a city that has had a complicated history with the sport. From the failed North American Soccer League's Kansas City Spurs in the 1960s to the hugely popular Kansas City Comets indoor team in the 1980s and the successful Sporting KC MLS franchise today, soccer has found its footing in KC. The city's active local fan base and the rise of women's soccer with the Kansas City Current have all contributed to KC's readiness to welcome the world's biggest sporting event.

Why it matters

Hosting the World Cup is a transformative moment for Kansas City, showcasing the city's ability to host major international events and further cementing its status as a sports and entertainment hub. The influx of global visitors and media attention will provide a significant economic boost, while also inspiring the next generation of soccer fans and players in the region.

The details

Kansas City's soccer journey has had its ups and downs, from the short-lived Kansas City Spurs in the 1960s to the hugely popular Kansas City Comets indoor team in the 1980s. The city found more sustained success with the outdoor Sporting KC MLS franchise, which has won multiple championships since its founding in 1996. The recent addition of the Kansas City Current women's team, which has set attendance records in the NWSL, has further bolstered the city's soccer credentials. All of this activity has helped position Kansas City as an ideal host for the 2026 World Cup, with the city selected to host six matches during the tournament.

  • Kansas City's first outdoor soccer team, the North American Soccer League's Kansas City Spurs, played in the city from 1968 to 1970.
  • The Kansas City Comets indoor soccer team played in Kemper Arena from 1981 to 1991, drawing large crowds and developing a loyal fan base.
  • The Kansas City Wizards (now Sporting KC) joined MLS in 1996 and have won multiple championships since then.
  • The Kansas City Current women's team was founded in 2021 and has set attendance records in the NWSL.
  • Kansas City was selected as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will bring six matches to the city this summer.

The players

Lamar Hunt

The founder and original owner of the Kansas City Wizards (now Sporting KC) MLS team.

Patrick Mahomes

The co-owner of Sporting KC and a prominent figure in Kansas City sports.

Brittany Mahomes

The co-owner of the Kansas City Current women's soccer team.

Peter Mallouk

The CEO of Creative Planning and the majority owner of Sporting KC.

Gino Schiraldi

A beloved local hero who played for the Kansas City Comets indoor soccer team in the 1980s, averaging four goals per game.

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What they’re saying

“There's a saying attributed to Dutch soccer player Johan Cruyff: 'Soccer is a game of mistakes. Whoever makes the fewest mistakes wins.'”

— Johan Cruyff, Dutch soccer player (kansascitymag.com)

The takeaway

Kansas City's journey with soccer has been a rollercoaster, but the city has persevered and is now poised to showcase its passion for the sport on the global stage. The 2026 World Cup will be a transformative moment, cementing KC's status as a sports and entertainment hub while inspiring the next generation of soccer fans and players in the region.