World Cup KC

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.

Leaders in Lawrence, Kansas, are excited to welcome the Algerian men's national team to the city for the World Cup. The University of Kansas' Rock Chalk Park will serve as base camp for Team Algeria, and estimates suggest it could draw as many as 15,000 people to the area.

Between Kansas City's six games, multiple base camps, and an influx of an estimated 650,000 visitors, Kansas is expecting a strain on public safety, emergency and transportation services. The disaster declaration sets up Kansas to receive federal assistance.

The money will help Kansas City pay for police overtime, buy more cruisers and put ambassadors on public transit ahead of this summer's World Cup. Kansas City will host six matches, and the metro will be the base camp for four teams.

The city of Lawrence, Kansas, and the University of Kansas will host Algeria’s national team at Rock Chalk Park, on KU’s campus. Kansas City emerged as the country's most popular host for World Cup training sites, with all four of its possible locations claimed.

Even though there are six World Cup games in Kansas City, you can’t simply buy tickets. That would be too easy. And if you weren't randomly selected in FIFA's most recent lottery, you'll have to wait several more months — unless you try your luck in the resale marketplace.

KC2026 announced operating days and key details for the FIFA Fan Festival Kansas City, the free, citywide celebration planned alongside the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The influx of people could mean a greater chance of disease spreading. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment will have training, reporting and testing information for diseases and travel health notices.

The Argentina national team announced it will use the Kansas City area as a base camp for this summer's World Cup, in addition to playing a match here. That's thrilling to Claudia Luna West, owner of Buenos Aires Restaurant in downtown Shawnee.