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FIFA WORLD CUP 2026
Kansas City is one of 16 host cities for the World Cup. This is the page where the Riverside Area Chamber of Commerce provides regular updates that impact your business.
FIFA World Cup News March 27, 2026
From the FIFA Newsletter
2025 has already been a momentous year for KC2026 and the region. We’ve made significant progress on preparations for major events and milestones in transportation, regional planning, community engagement and more. In the first 90 days of the year, KC2026 continues to set the bar high, driving momentum as the region gears up for FIFA World Cup 26™
Kansas City is the first of 16 Host Cities to announce the procurement of 200 buses for FIFA World Cup 26™ transportation.
​Why it matters: This initial lease complements existing bus routes and provides expanded service, facilitating travel to matches, the FIFA Fan Festival™, the Kansas City International Airport and other key locations. Learn more about the bus lease.
What's to come: KC2026 is on track to submit its Mobility Plan draft concept to FIFA at the end of March. This plan defines how KC2026 and the Kansas City region will provide transportation to support fans and visitors to our region during the tournament.
FIFA Chief Business & Strategy Officer Amy Hopfinger applauded KC2026 for its “forward thinking and ability to work together on transportation across state lines.”
Click here for the Transportation Overview
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FIFA Leaders: Kansas City Sets the Standard
KC2026 welcomed key leaders from FIFA during their visit to Kansas City. Chief Safety and Security Officer G.B. Jones presided over a regional Safety & Security work session, and Chief Business & Strategy Officer Amy Hopfinger met with key stakeholders and supporters to provide updates on FIFA World Cup 26™ planning initiatives.
What they said:
Hopfinger: "There's something so unique about Kansas City and how they rally together around big events and community. It’s so dynamic – the thought of hosting the FIFA World Cup 26™ here gives me chills.”
Jones: “Collaboration is baked into your ethos in Kansas City. Your regionalism is felt, and this is so important for success.”
500 Days Before the FIFA World Cup 26â„¢ KC2026 Announces Key 2025 Milestones
Link to FIFA Business Opportunities
https://kansascityfwc26.com/business-opportunities/
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Useful World Cup Links
https://bit.ly/m/FIFA-World-Cup-26-Kansas-City-?r=qr
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Fast Facts
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Number of teams: The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams (an increase of 16 from previous tournaments).
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Group format: The teams will be divided into 12 groups of four teams. The top two teams from each group, plus the eight best third-place teams, will advance to the Round of 32.
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Number of games: The 2026 World Cup will have 104 games (an increase from 64 in previous tournaments).
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Host countries: The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, making it the first time three countries have hosted the tournament.
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Host cities: The 104 matches will be played in 16 cities across the three host countries. The US will have 11 host cities, including Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Miami, Boston, and New York. Mexico will have three host cities, including Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Mexico City. Canada will have two host cities, including Vancouver and Toronto.
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Length of tournament: The 2026 World Cup will last 39 days (an increase from 32 days in previous tournaments).
One Year to Go Event Production Lead RFP
KC2026 is requesting proposals from providers who currently have the capability to deliver the services required for KC2026’s One Year to Go events. The selected provider will serve an important role by offering expertise and support in the development of the One Year to Go events and initiatives in the region leading up to and during the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
The selected agency will:
Work with KC2026 to curate a unique slate of events in June and July of 2025 designed to engage, excite and educate the region for FWC coming in 2026.
Provide Event Management Services for the selected events and initiatives.
Learn more here: https://kansascityfwc26.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RFP-One-Year-Out-2025-Event-Production-Lead.pdf
News Articles
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How Kansas City Intends to Bring Magic to the World Cup (FORBES)
KC Projects Scramble to Finish Before Arrival of the World Cup in 2026 (KC Business Journal)
Contact
Brian Scott, Director of Marketing and Communications
816-474-4652