World Cup

Big decisions loom at Kansas City Hall — including preparations for next year’s World Cup matches, building a new city jail and managing a budget amid financial uncertainties.

Kathy Nelson is the president and CEO of both Visit KC and the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation. She joined KCUR's Up To Date for our series "5 Questions."

Kansas City will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup next summer, the smallest city in North America to join the festivities. Is the city equipped to handle the huge influx of tourists and their transportation and housing needs?

Kansas City is expecting 650,000 visitors next summer during the 2026 FIFA World Cup — more than the amount of people who live in the city. A leader of the KC2026 coalition says that preparations are already well underway for transportation and hosting both fans and teams.

After Lee's Summit leaders announced plans to change the name of their airport to the "Greater Kansas City Regional Airport," Kansas City Council approved its own plans to establish a policy around the use of the name "Kansas City."

Lawrence, Kansas, will see an estimated 15,000 people if Rock Chalk Park is selected as a training facility for a 2026 World Cup team. It's an opportunity that city and county officials are excited about, although they still have unanswered questions about planning for the large-scale event.

The organization charged with planning for the FIFA World Cup in Kansas City has gone through some recent leadership changes. Pam Kramer, the newly selected CEO of KC2026, said that she's "confident that we'll be prepared."

Kansas City's mayor joined KCUR's Up To Date for a discussion about the future of sports in the metro — including the pressure around keeping the Chiefs and Royals, and chaos in the committee helping to organize the 2026 World Cup. But there's one thing Quinton Lucas isn't worried about: President Biden's ability to run for president.

The influx of soccer fans to Kansas City is expected to hike prices for short-term rentals, possibly pushing up rents and making permanent housing less affordable. But if Kansas City officials use the opportunity to invest in affordable housing, experts see a chance for long-term benefits.

A study by the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority and the Mid-America Regional Council has recommended two new express bus routes — one in Johnson County and one in Kansas City, Missouri — to get people to and from the airport ahead of the FIFA World Cup in 2026.

A series of upcoming talks from the International Relations Council will explore the intersections of sports and geopolitics in Kansas City and nationwide. Experts say access and intentionality are critical as the city poises itself to host World Cup matches in 2026.

While many Kansas Citians are focused on the Super Bowl, planning is underway for an even bigger event on the horizon: the 2026 World Cup. Six of those matches, including a quarterfinal, will be played in Kansas City.