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.
Your generous gift will be used to support the 2026 World Cup Bid efforts and will help bring the largest event in the world to Kansas City.
Kansas City is in the heart of it all – geographically and culturally.
We used to be a starting point. Now we’re a destination.
Forbes called us one of America’s best cities for millenials, citing our high-wage job creation and outstanding arts scene. They said our SmartCity technology could make start-ups forget about Silicon Valley.
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 summer (and 2014, and 2010…).
Arm-in-arm, thousands of fans made Kansas City’s downtown the best party in the United States 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, we’re ready to host the world’s largest event.
Help bring the World Cup to the Midwest.
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 David Alvey | Kansas City, KS |
| Honorable Quinton Lucas | Kansas City, MO |
| 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 Fox |
| EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE | |
|---|---|
| Doug Bach | Wyandotte County & Kansas City, KS, County Administrator |
| Lynn Berling-Manuel | United Soccer Coaches, President & CEO |
| Tim Cowden | Kansas City Area Development Council, President & CEO |
| Jason Fulvi | VisitKC, President & CEO |
| Kimiko Gilmore | City of Kansas City, MO Asst. City Manager |
| Shane Hackett | Heartland Soccer Association, Executive Director |
| Matt Kenny | Kansas City Chiefs, Vice President of Stadium Services & Events |
| Alfonso Navarro-Bernachi | Consulate of Mexico In Kansas City, Head Consul |
| Kathy Nelson | Kansas City Sports Commission & Foundation, President & CEO |
| Brian Platt | City of Kansas City, MO City Manager |
| Penny Postoak Ferguson | Johnson County Manager |
| Joe Reardon | Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, President & CEO |
| Jake Reid | Sporting Kansas City, President & CEO |
| Frank White | Jackson County Executive |
News
KC Bid Leader Kathy Nelson participates in 2026 World Cup panel
The NextUp Soccer Leaders Summit, organized by LeagueApps and SOCCER.COM, concluded on March 31 with a closing session entitled “World Cup 2026 – US cities and what comes next.” Moderated by Maryland SoccerPlex Executive Director Matt Libber, the panel featured: Kathy Nelson, President and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission and Foundation Monica Paul,…
Kansas City to host Leagues Cup featuring Sporting KC and Liga MX club
Sporting Kansas City is one of eight premier North American clubs that will compete in the second edition of Leagues Cup this summer, Major League Soccer and LIGA MX announced. Leagues Cup will see MLS clubs Sporting, Seattle Sounders FC, Orlando City SC and New York City FC join four LIGA MX clubs in a high-level international…
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…
