FIFA WORLD CUP 2026

Kansas City's FIFA World Cup™ Journey: Momentum Builds, Opportunities Await

In less than a year, the world’s biggest sporting competition will be right here in Kansas City and our region will have unprecedented global attention. The FIFA World Cup 26™ will bring hundreds of thousands of visitors and billions of viewers from around the world. This is our moment to show who we are — and now is your chance to be part of that. 

We’ve launched the celebration with the announcement of our first two Official Kansas City World Cup 2026 Host City Supporters, Populous and Nestlé Purina PetCare and unforgettable One Year to Go celebrations. Across the city, the excitement is real and the momentum is building.

Now, we need you! Sign up by September 15

We are looking for thousands of volunteers to be the heartbeat of the experience — the first smiles, the helping hands, the warm welcome that fans and teams will remember long after the final whistle. Volunteer applications close September 15, so sign up now before the chance is gone! Thousands of your neighbors and friends have already signed up, but we need more. Spread the word to your family, friends and networks. 

Volunteering for the FIFA World Cup 26™ in Kansas City is more than helping at an event — it’s being a part of history, part of the team that shows the world why Kansas City is a place worth remembering. This video explains the FIFA volunteer journey and expectations. If you have questions about volunteering for the FIFA World Cup 26™, you can direct them to volunteer@kansascityfwc26.com.

When the world arrives next summer, let’s make sure they fall in love with the Heart of America.

With thanks, 

Pam Kramer
CEO, KC2026

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VOLUNTEER HERE
 

KC Game Plan
In 2026, the FIFA World Cup 26™ will bring the world to Kansas City – and with it, an unprecedented opportunity for small businesses in hospitality, tourism, and other sectors to participate. Fueled by our shared pride, we are teaming up with small business champions to launch KC Game Plan, a program designed to get businesses game-ready for the opportunity.

KC Game Plan will deliver actionable ideas, insights, and practical tools to help businesses shine when the world arrives. KC Game Plan will include valuable information on visitor expectations, global fan traditions, FIFA branding guidelines and a confidential readiness assessment. Stay tuned for more information on how businesses can get in the game.

Learn More>> Click Here 

FIFA World Cup 26™ Qualifiers Update

The FIFA World Cup 26™ qualifying process kicked off back in September of 2023. See which nations have already punched their ticket to the largest FIFA World Cup™ tournament yet. Qualifying matches will continue through March 2026.

Learn More>> Click here

FIFA Fan Festival™: Where the World Will Celebrate

Set at the iconic WWI Museum and Memorial, Kansas City’s FIFA Fan Festival™ will be more than the region’s biggest official watch party — it will be the pulse of the FIFA World Cup 26™ in KC.

From incredible food and live music to interactive games and unforgettable fan experiences, this is where the world will connect with Kansas City’s spirit, celebrate their teams and create memories that last a lifetime.

Follow FIFA World Cup on social now so you’ll first know when details and ticket information drop — you won’t want to miss it. 

FIFA World Cup 26™ Ticket Update

FIFA recently announced that the application period for the first ticket draw for the FIFA World Cup 26™ will open on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. Ticketing is directed and managed by FIFA, outside of the Host Committee, so interested fans are encouraged to visit  FIFA.com/tickets (the official and preferred source of tickets for the tournament) to register their interest and create a FIFA ID.

Tickets>> Here

In the News

Lonely Planet: A traveler's guide to the 2026 World Cup host cities

Independent: Inside America’s budget-friendly, BBQ-obsessed World Cup city

KDFW-TV: Thousands of Volunteers needed for FIFA World Cup in Kansas City

Business Opportunities

 

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.

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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.”