World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is fast approaching, and Kansas City will host a massive fan festival on the National WWI Museum and Memorial lawn. Read on for a first look.

The Kansas City Police Department is asking for a 21.6% increase in funding for next fiscal year, despite the city’s budget woes. The money is needed for personnel costs, legal settlements, and hiring more officers and 911 call-takers, police said.

The city will fund entrepreneurs, artists and leasing support for landlords who open pop-up shops in vacant buildings for the thousands of people who come to Kansas City for the World Cup next year. $10,000 grants will be available through the newly announced Open Doors! Program.

Many soccer fans were excited that the men's World Cup would be coming to the U.S. next year — including six games in Kansas City, Missouri — until they discovered how much FIFA is charging for tickets.

The Kansas City Council moved forward with a plan to build a modular jail with about 100 beds. Officials say the temporary facility is necessary, as plans to build a permanent municipal jail will take years.

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission recently approved $1.7 million of general revenue funds for an extra run of the Amtrak River Runner starting in April 2026. Kansas City is hosting six World Cup matches next summer.

The popular English soccer league is bringing its 11th Fan Fest to Kansas City, and fans can attend for free.

Kansas City's outdoor dining program has awarded $300,000 in grants to more than 30 local restaurants, coffee shops and pubs since last year, in a push to create more vibrant public spaces ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

With more than 6,000 open food service job listings and no coordinated plan to address staffing, Kansas City restaurant leaders worry they won’t be ready for the massive influx of World Cup visitors in 2026.

Visa cardholders can enter a drawing for the first phase of ticket sales beginning September 10. Winners will be able to purchase tickets to any of the World Cup’s 104 matches, including six in Kansas City.

Mayor Quinton Lucas joined KCUR's Up To Date to discuss the Republican push to gerrymander Missouri's congressional map, and how it could push him to run for the U.S. House. He also discussed the potential of President Trump sending the National Guard to Kansas City.

The two-acre site will feature a Bierhalle, working brewery, event space, amphitheater, covered patio, children’s play area and off-leash dog park.