culture

Even before Kansas City was made an official host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Lawrence city officials, the University of Kansas and other groups prepared to be a welcoming base camp.

The Round of 32 victory sends Colombia to the next round against Switzerland, and knocks Ghana out of the tournament. Fans of both teams gathered in Kansas City to eat traditional foods and cheer together.

A giant, brightly-colored tapestry designed to represent all of the countries in the World Cup is hanging in KC House, located in the former Forever 21 building on the Country Club Plaza. The space is intended for international executives, civic leaders and World Cup visitors.

A teacher in the Olathe School District created an entire curriculum around the FIFA World Cup to make sure students know about the tournament and the cultures that make it happen.

"It does feel like this is like a microcosm of what the Black experience looks like in America," one alum said.

In rural southwest Kansas, high-flying fighters are working to spread lucha libre, traditional Mexican wrestling. The sport carries cultural history and uses wrestling to address modern challenges in the world. Plus: From Starbucks lattes to new dietary guidelines that prioritize it, protein is everywhere. But what do nutritionists have to say about it?

The 46th annual festival celebrates the cultures and cuisines represented in the Kansas City area. This year, for the first time, that includes Palestine. Organizers say it's a chance to give back to the city that welcomed them.

The little round balls may seem a bit outdated compared to some current games, but there’s a community of collectors, artists and kids keeping marble culture alive. In this store and studio just outside Kansas City, visitors can watch marbles being made.

Kansas City will be the smallest city in North America to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But it may not have embraced the sport at all, if not for the efforts of immigrants who fought for the beautiful game — before there were even soccer fields to play on.

The Kansas Historical Society’s archaeological field school this year gave volunteers a chance to dig into the state's territorial history at the site of an 1850s-era mansion near Lecompton.

Muslims around the world are celebrating the holy month of Ramadan. Three members of Kansas City's diverse Muslim community talk about the ritual of daily fasting, teaching the traditions to their children and the experience of community — all part of Ramadan.

After their cafe was named one of the country's best new restaurants by Bon Appetit magazine, the Kamal family expanded its dessert and pastry offerings next door, at Baba's Bakery. It's now open on Saturdays, and there are plans to expand hours soon.