World Cup

FIFA has always had a peculiar way to sell tickets to the World Cup. It never faced any major issues — until prices soared for the 2026 tournament.

There's a major reason Kansas City, its surrounding suburbs, two states, and a whole lot of corporate sponsors and local organizations put so much money and time into the World Cup. Organizers see this as their chance to "change the way the world thinks about Kansas City."

Kansas City’s efforts to host the World Cup go back all the way to 1988. Now the tournament is finally here, after four years of preparations that not only reshaped the metro’s infrastructure, but also solidified its identity as a true soccer city. How did we land such a big event, and are we ready?

This week, FIFA finalized the list of where competitors will train during the tournament. Four of those countries will make their homes in the Kansas City region. Here's a breakdown of the U.S. cities that are included.

Kansas City’s efforts to host the World Cup go back all the way to 1988. Now the tournament is finally here, after four years of preparations that not only reshaped the metro’s infrastructure, but also solidified its identity as a true soccer city.

Some veterans from the last World Cup — like forward Christian Pulisic and midfielders Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams — made the team. The roster includes 13 newcomers as well.

World Cup visitors and locals can still get free tickets for the Fan Festival, which will host performances and a giant watch party to see the tournament matches.

Sports economist Victor Matheson discusses why World Cup tickets have gotten so expensive and the things fans can do to find the most affordable tickets.

Kansas City, the smallest World Cup host city, is preparing to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors for the tournament. It's building a second transit system to get people where they need to go, but that will disappear when the crowds leave.

Soccer fans in Wyandotte County looking to celebrate the global tournament can join in on the fun at home as a part of Visit KCK’s “Kick it in KCK” campaign.

Olathe this week became just the second Johnson County city to opt in to a new Kansas law allowing extended alcohol sales 23 hours a day during the tournament. Even so, many local bars won't be participating.

For the 2026 World Cup, Algeria’s home base will be Lawrence, Kansas, a college town about an hour outside of Kansas City. Get to know the Algerian men's national team and find out how explore the culture around this region.