HOW TO GET INVOLVED:
Want to do more? Become a KC2026 ambassador by downloading the flyer and help us spread the word in your community.
Show your support for Kansas City’s bid on social media and wherever you go with these downloadable and shareable assets! Tell the world: YOU want the World Cup in Kansas City.
Kansas City is in the heart of it all – geographically and culturally.
Once a starting point, now we’re a destination.
We’ve been called “underrated,” “up-and-coming,” and “the coolest city in America.” The list goes on.
Our “Paris of the Plains” isn’t so much resurgent as it is surging. AND IN SOCCER, KANSAS CITY HAS ALREADY ARRIVED.
Roll the tape from the last decade of World Cup summers.
Arm-in-arm, thousands of fans made Kansas City’s downtown the best party in the United States again and again (and again).
We’re equal parts Midwestern humility and kindness, with a dash of big-city rowdy.
Vibrant, modern, and uniquely positioned to unite the region, Kansas City is ready. The world’s biggest event deserves the right stage.
OUR VISION is to UNITE the region and amplify our plans of an even greater way of life for ourselves, our neighbors, and our children.
We will leverage our PASSION, EXPERIENCE and REGIONALITY with a focused commitment to respecting and protecting Human Rights.
(Click here to view the KC2026 Human Rights Stakeholder Engagement Report)
Help bring the World Cup to the Midwest.
WE HAVE SUPPORT IN ALL 50 STATES!
The FIFA World Cup is the largest and most prestigious single sport event in the world and is followed by billions of fans all over the world. Since its inaugural tournament in 1930, the FIFA World Cup has been hosted 21 times. Occurring every 4 years, the 2026 World Cup will be the 23rd tournament and will return to the US for the 2nd time after 1994. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by up to 16 cities spread amongst America, Canada & Mexico and will be the first ever tournament with 48 teams fighting for the title of World Champion.
In the US, there are currently 17 cities (including Kansas City) bidding to host World Cup games. The selection committee will ultimately choose up to 10 host cities in America. For more information on the timeline of the selection, please refer to the graphic below.
KC2026 Leadership Team
| KANSAS CITY MAYORS | |
|---|---|
| Honorable Quinton Lucas | Kansas City, MO |
| Honorable Tyrone Gardner | Kansas City, KS |
| HONORARY CO‑CHAIRS | |
|---|---|
| Clark Hunt | Kansas City Chiefs Chairman and CEO |
| Cliff Illig | Cerner Corporation Co-Founder, Sporting Kansas City Principal Owner |
| HONORARY BID CAPTAINS |
|---|
| Patrick Mahomes |
| Salvador Perez |
| Matt Besler |
| KC2026 WORLD CUP BID DIRECTOR |
|---|
| Katherine Holland |
| EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE | |
|---|---|
| Trent Armbrust | Kansas Department of Commerce, Chief Strategy Officer |
| Lynn Berling-Manuel | Past CEO, United Soccer Coaches |
| Aaron Borns | Sporting Kansas City, VP of Marketing |
| Tim Cowden | Kansas City Area Development Council, President & CEO |
| Kimiko Gilmore | Deputy City Manager & Exec. Director of Convention & Entertainment Facilities |
| Shane Hackett | Heartland Soccer Association, Executive Director |
| Cheryl Harrison-Lee | Wyandotte County & Kansas City, KS Assistant County Administrator |
| Nathan Hermiston | Visit KC, SVP, Convention Sales & Services |
| Mike Kehoe | State of Missouri, Lt. Governor |
| Matt Kenny | Kansas City Chiefs, Arrowhead Operations & Events, EVP |
| Jonathan Knecht | Kansas City Area Development Council, Senior VP - Marketing & Creative |
| Randall Landes | Visit KC, Interim President & CEO |
| Angie K Long | Co-Founder/Owner of Kansas City Current |
| Christopher D Long | Co-Founder/Owner of Kansas City Current |
| Kathy Nelson | Kansas City Sports Commission & Foundation, President & CEO |
| Yann Passet | KC2026 FIFA World Cup Bid, Consultant |
| Brian Platt | City of Kansas City, MO City Manager |
| David Pruente | Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, SVP, Strategic Partnerships |
| Joe Reardon | Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, President & CEO |
| Jake Reid | Sporting Kansas City, President & CEO |
| Morgan Said | City of Kansas City, MO, Chief of Staff, Mayor's Office |
| Jeremy Slavens | Kansas City Chiefs, Arrowhead Events VP |
| Oscar Soberanes-Benitez | Consulate of Mexico in Kansas City, Deputy Consul |
| David Toland | State of Kansas, Lt. Governor |
| Geoff VanDeusen | CEO, United Soccer Coaches |
| Frank White | Jackson County Executive |
News
KC2026 World Cup bid secures endorsements from surrounding states
As part of the on-going efforts to bring the 2026 FIFA World Cup to Kansas City, the KC2026 bid team has received endorsements from youth soccer associations located throughout the Midwest region. In addition to the Kansas State Youth Soccer Association and Missouri Youth Soccer Association, the Arkansas Soccer Association, Illinois Youth Soccer Association, Iowa…
FIFA confirms timeline for FIFA World Cup 2026™ venue selection process
FIFA has announced a confirmation of the timeline for the next stage of the venue selection process for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in Canada, Mexico and the United States, subject to any restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic. Kansas City is one of 17 candidate host cities in the United States in consideration to host matches…
Kansas City to host 2022 United Soccer Coaches Convention
United Soccer Coaches has selected Kansas City to host the association’s annual convention from January 19-23, 2022. Founded in 1941, United Soccer Coaches has grown into the world’s largest soccer coaches’ organization that serves members at every level of the game. The association provides programs and services that contribute to the development and recognition of…
