When the FIFA World Cup comes to Kansas City next summer, 6,000 volunteers will be needed to help with the games and to welcome the 650,000 visitors.
Excitement around the event has already attracted 10,000 applicants from all over the world.
However, Lori Thomas, the KC2026 director of volunteer operations, said that to account for attrition throughout the interview process, they hope to have 20,000 applicants 18 and older signed up by the Sept. 15 deadline.
People proficient in other languages are encouraged to apply, but English language proficiency is required.
FIFA will be using 2,000 volunteers, and the rest will be assigned various Kansas City-focused roles, such as supporting the Fan Fest, and directing and welcoming tourists.
"If you really think about it, we are the heartbeat of this event because it could be a bad experience or a good experience based on our volunteers," Thomas said.
Learn more about volunteering for the 2026 World Cup.
- Lori Thomas, director, volunteer operations, KC2026
