World Cup KC

Kansas City and other World Cup host cities must provide stadium infrastructure, transportation, security, even medical support — with little help from FIFA, despite sky-high ticket prices. And the recent federal funding drama shows that "local pride" may not be enough to pay the bills.

World Cup tickets are expensive, and buying them has been frustrating and confusing. But this is what economics is for: figuring out the best ways to allocate scarce resources. FIFA, steal these ideas.

The federal government promised Kansas City $59 million in security funding for the World Cup. The partial government shutdown put funds’ release in limbo until the Department of Homeland Security announced last week it would start sending money.

Iran is set to play three games in the U.S. this June. But amid the U.S.-Israel military campaign that has killed Iran's supreme leader, Iran's sports minister said the team would pull out.

A bill sponsored by a Grain Valley Republican would allow a license or permit issued by Jackson County to be valid for a mobile food business operating under any municipality in the county.

Chef Silvia Miguel provides empanadas and other pastries to coffee shops like Cafe Corazon, as well as restaurants and hotels. Her bakery Pan Caliente will be offering a "rotating lineup" of empanadas to match countries participating in the World Cup.

If “hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup” were a sport in and of itself, these past few months have shown that perhaps Kansas City wants this more than other cities. Plus: Federal funding woes and other issues facing the tournament with 100 days to go.

Will Iran compete? Will violence in Mexico flare up? And what about funding for host cities in the U.S.? With only 100 days left before it beings, the 2026 World Cup in North America is facing a lot of uncertainty.

Just over three months before the World Cup descends on Kansas City this June, small businesses are preparing to make the most of 650,000 expected visitors. That means updating menus and websites to accommodate international travelers, and getting staff trained for the expected crowds.

Many of the area’s faith communities are making detailed plans to ensure that everyone has religious support while they’re here. Large congregations are also working on unique ways to connect with the World Cup.

Dulcinea Herrera, whose family operates three Café Corazón locations across the metro, is ready to welcome Argentina’s World Cup team and its fans to Kansas City this summer. She's already prepared to welcome larger crowds and host watch parties.

Proponents are worried that soccer fans in Johnson and Wyandotte counties will cross the border to bars and stores in Missouri, which already passed legislation to extend liquor sales to 23 hours of the day.