- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Kansas City Lands 2026 FIFA World Cup Hosting Duties
City transforms from soccer 'hick town' to coveted World Cup site over decades of investment and growth.
Published on Feb. 15, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
After years of building up its soccer infrastructure and fanbase, Kansas City, Missouri has been selected as one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The city's journey from a perceived 'hick town' for the sport to a coveted World Cup destination has deep roots dating back decades, as the community has steadily invested in and grown its rich soccer heritage.
Why it matters
Hosting the World Cup is a major coup for Kansas City, putting it on the global stage and showcasing the city's transformation into a soccer hotbed. The selection validates KC's long-term commitment to the sport and will provide an economic boost through tourism and media exposure.
The details
Over the past 20 years, Kansas City has built state-of-the-art soccer-specific stadiums, developed a thriving professional team in Sporting KC, and cultivated a passionate fan base. This infrastructure and community support were key factors in FIFA's decision to select KC as one of the 2026 World Cup host cities.
- Kansas City was selected as a 2026 FIFA World Cup host city in June 2022.
- Sporting KC, the city's professional soccer team, was founded in 1995 and has played in purpose-built Children's Mercy Park since 2011.
The players
Sporting KC
The professional soccer team that has played a central role in Kansas City's soccer growth and development over the past 25+ years.
Children's Mercy Park
The soccer-specific stadium that has been home to Sporting KC since 2011, helping establish Kansas City as a premier soccer destination.
What they’re saying
“This is a huge win for Kansas City and a testament to the incredible soccer community we've built over decades.”
— Robb Heineman, CEO, Sporting KC (Kansas City Star)
The takeaway
Kansas City's transformation from a perceived 'hick town' for soccer to a coveted World Cup host city is a remarkable success story, driven by the community's long-term investment in infrastructure, professional teams, and passionate fan support for the sport.
