As the world's biggest soccer tournament transformed Lawrence, Kansas, into an international destination, a collaboration with the University of Kansas' journalism program helped KCUR capture stories that unfolded far beyond the pitch.

Kansas City’s role as a World Cup host involved a significant investment from federal, state and city coffers — but the event paid little economic dividends to businesses along Troost Avenue. Owners say city leaders should have set more realistic expectations.

Argentina, who have been based in Kansas City for the entire World Cup, survived another heart-stopping match when it scored two late goals to topple England. The returning champions will face Spain in the final on Sunday.

With Kansas City's time as a World Cup host now over, what did this massive event mean to the city besides traffic jams and crowded streetcars? These were our favorite memories from reporting across the region, meeting visitors and fans, and watching The Beautiful Game play out in our home.

The World Cup's arrival in the Midwest has driven an interest in soccer that cuts across generations. In Lawrence, Kansas, the local parks and recreation department is channeling that enthusiasm into weekly games of walking soccer, a slowed-down version of the sport that's more accessible to older adults.

We're at the final stretch of the World Cup. It feels like just yesterday, international fans were arriving in the U.S. and marveling at Buc-ee's and unlimited free soda.