Excelsior Springs, Mo. – More than 80 municipal officials gathered at the historic Hall of Waters on Thursday for the West Gate Regional meeting of the Missouri Municipal League, an event that brought together city leaders to discuss regional issues, share best practices, and foster collaboration. The meeting also featured a keynote presentation from Lindsey Douglas, Integrated Operations Director for KC2026, the nonprofit overseeing Kansas City’s role as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Kansas City’s Historic Moment on the Global Stage
Douglas’s presentation emphasized the unprecedented scale of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across three countries—Canada, Mexico, and the United States—spanning 16 cities and featuring 104 matches. Kansas City, the smallest among the U.S. host cities, will play a significant role, hosting six matches, including a coveted quarterfinal game at Arrowhead Stadium.
Despite its smaller size, Kansas City has positioned itself as a premier destination for soccer fans, earning the trust of FIFA to host high-stakes matches. “We are the small but mighty Kansas City, and we feel that in all the partnerships that we have. Compared to other host cities, this event is at a whole different level for us,” Douglas said.
A Game-Changer for Regional Tourism and Economy
Douglas highlighted the economic and tourism opportunities the World Cup will bring to Missouri and beyond. Over the 26-day tournament, Kansas City expects to welcome 650,000 visitors, generating approximately 2.1 million visitor days. The influx of international guests, many staying an average of 10 days, is projected to drive $653 million in direct economic impact, including $21 million in state taxes from hotel stays alone.
“This is the biggest global event our region has ever seen,” Douglas emphasized. “We have a unique opportunity to showcase Kansas City to the world, and we want to leave a lasting legacy that extends beyond 2026.”
The World Cup’s impact will not be confined to downtown Kansas City. With fans traveling from across the globe, the surrounding region—including Excelsior Springs—has the chance to benefit from tourism dollars and international exposure.
Kansas City’s Key Matches and the U.S. Team’s Potential Presence
Kansas City’s matches will take place between June 16 and June 27, 2026, followed by a Round of 32 match and a Quarterfinal game. Douglas noted that there’s a possibility for Team USA to play in Kansas City if they advance beyond the group stage, an exciting prospect for local soccer fans.
“The days the U.S. plays, Kansas City will be a focal point, regardless of where the match takes place,” Douglas said. “Fans will flock to host cities, even if they don’t have tickets, to experience the World Cup atmosphere.”
A Logistical Challenge: Transportation, Security, and Fan Experience
One of the biggest challenges Kansas City faces is transportation infrastructure. Unlike other host cities with extensive public transit systems, Kansas City must build a temporary network of park-and-ride locations and a dedicated bus system to transport fans between the airport, downtown, Fan Fest locations, and Arrowhead Stadium.
“There won’t be parking at Arrowhead,” Douglas explained. “Everyone will need to take a shuttle or bus service. We’re building a temporary system, but we also hope this can be a proof of concept for future transit expansion.”
Safety and security are also top priorities. Kansas City will collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies, including KCPD, University Health, and emergency management teams, to ensure crowd control and safety throughout the tournament.
Fan Fest: The Heart of the Celebration
Beyond the matches, Kansas City will host FIFA Fan Fest at the National World War I Memorial, with an expected capacity of 25,000 attendees per day. The Fan Fest will feature live match screenings, entertainment, food, and cultural showcases.
“Even if people don’t have match tickets, they’ll be here to experience the World Cup,” Douglas said. “We’re working on creating an unforgettable experience that keeps people engaged, whether they’re at Arrowhead, Fan Fest, or exploring the city.”
Opportunities for Local Businesses and Volunteers
Douglas encouraged local businesses and municipalities to prepare for the surge in visitors. With 54% of attendees expected to be international and only 68% likely to have credit or debit cards, businesses must consider offering multilingual services and accommodating cash transactions.
Additionally, 5,000 volunteers will be recruited to assist with logistics, hospitality, and operations. “Being part of the World Cup as a volunteer is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Douglas noted.
Looking Ahead
As Kansas City prepares for its moment on the world stage, officials are focused on leveraging the World Cup’s momentum to create long-term benefits for the region. “This isn’t just about 2026,” Douglas said. “We want to elevate Kansas City, attract future international events, and build a stronger regional economy.”
For more information on Kansas City’s World Cup preparations, volunteer opportunities, and business engagement, visit kansascityfwc26.com.
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