Kansas City makes pitch to be a host for 2026 World Cup

Leaders of Kansas City met virtually with officials at FIFA, the soccer’s world governing body, on Thursday. 

Kansas City gave a presentation to officials in the hopes of making Kansas City one of 10 U.S. host cities for the 2026 World Cup. 

Members presenting included Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, officials from Sporting Kansas City and officials from the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation, reports Fox 4 News.

The proposed location for the World Cup is Arrowhead Stadium, with Sporting’s Children’s Mercy Park, Park University’s athletic complex and the Kansas City Chiefs practice facility offered as potential practice facilities.

Kathy Nelson, CEO of the sports commission, said the meeting intended to update FIFA on changes since the area joined the bid two years ago. One example was the redevelopment of Kansas City International Airport, reports Fox 4.

One of the main challenges, according to officials, is that none of the FIFA officials have ever been to Kansas City and some had never heard of the area before the bid.

One key selling point is the area’s evident passion for soccer, Nelson said, citing the Women’s World Cup watch party in the Kansas City Power & Light District in 2019.

Although the final decision on host cities probably won’t come until late next year, bringing the World Cup games to Kansas City would deliver an estimated $620 million economic benefit, reports Fox 4.