The “Soccer Capital of America” is staying true to its name, as Kansas City is among 16 North American cities chosen to host World Cup matches in the summer of 2026.
The tournament will feature 48 teams for the first time, competing across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Kansas City will host six matches at Arrowhead Stadium, including a quarterfinal on July 11.
UMKC students are anticipating the changes that come with hosting a sporting event of its magnitude.
With an influx of people in the city, Alexander Her, a third year biology major said he can see issues with roads becoming more congested.
“I drive through downtown, roads is already bad as it is, but with the World Cup, traffic will be a little more busy,” said Her.
In preparation, infrastructure and transportation developments are taking place around the city, with projects including major road improvements on Stadium Drive and a riverfront streetcar extension.
With over half a million visitors arriving in Kansas City, expectations are high for the historic competition. Although hosting is estimated to cost around $165 million, Kansas City is predicted to make $650 million in direct event impact.
The KC Game Plan initiative is working to prepare small businesses for the soar in visitors and provide guidance on how to make the most of this opportunity.
“People may benefit from being able to get more jobs from all of the tourism and the events that they’re gonna have,” said sophomore environmental science major Ximena Arrieta.
For those who grew up watching soccer like Sarai Diaz, being in Kansas City during this occasion is a once in a lifetime experience.
“I’m excited to hopefully see my home team play,” said Diaz, a freshman biology major. “My family is from Mexico, so I’m excited to see them play.”
For some students, the decision for Kansas City to be named a host city was conflicting.
“I don’t see the point of why they even thought about making it here,” said Arrieta. “First of all, it’s too small, and it’s gonna be chaotic. I don’t know how we’re even gonna move around with all those people being here, like, too much going on.”
Diaz said that despite her enthusiasm for the tournament, she sees possible issues arising with the city’s ability to host such a large event.
“We don’t have as much resources, so there’s definitely a concern if you won’t be able to do as good a job as, say, LA or other cities that are hosting,” said Diaz.
UMKC will play a supporting role in putting on this competition by providing assistance through lodging. Organizations and groups supporting the World Cup will be housed on the campus.
A lodging proposal submitted by UMKC was selected by KC2026, providing housing to helpers including event volunteers, transportation workers and first responders supporting KC2026 Fan Fest.
“This opportunity allows UMKC to be a supportive sponsor and willing partner with the city and region for this important event,” said Andre Logan, director of strategic initiatives at UMKC. “We are committed to providing resources to help make Kansas City shine as a host city for the World Cup and show we are integrated into the fabric of our city.”
Arrieta thinks this is only the beginning for changes in Kansas City’s status and believes there will be “many more events to come.”
“I feel like it’s gonna become a famous place to go, which it wasn’t at some point,” said Arrieta. “With everything that’s going on, and especially the Chiefs and all of that, I feel like it’s gonna just become more well known,” said Arrieta.
