KANSAS CITY, Mo. (January 27, 2025) — The FIFA World Cup 26™ begins in exactly 500 days and KC2026 is sharing ways for the Kansas City region to get involved, with the announcement of 2025 planning milestones including countdown clocks, volunteer sign-ups and key tournament dates.
“No matter where you live in our great state, there’s an opportunity this year for you to get involved as Missouri prepares for its moment on the international stage,” said Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe.
“The FIFA World Cup 26™ is a gamechanger for our economy and will showcase all Kansas has to offer on an international stage,” Kansas Governor Laura Kelly said. “As we approach the beginning of the games, I look forward to witnessing the transformation of the Kansas City Metro Region as our investments produce tangible results ahead of this exciting opportunity.”
FIFA World Cup 26™ qualifying matches will continue throughout 2025, leading up to FIFA’s Final Draw, which will reveal the teams heading to Kansas City during the tournament’s Group Stage.
“Kansas City is proud to enter the global spotlight as the world gets ready to experience the FIFA World Cup 26™ in our hometown,” said Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas. “The hard work of countless individuals over the next 500 days will showcase our city’s ability to deliver world-class events and hospitality that is second to none. We are ready to welcome the world and share the spirit, culture and cuisine that make Kansas City the heart of America. Together, we will create an unforgettable experience for fans, players and residents alike.”
The FIFA World Cup 26™ begins June 11, 2026, with the first Group Stage match played in Kansas City on June 16, 2026.
“We’re on track in every planning vertical, with ‘all-green’ status from FIFA on our deliverables,” said Pam Kramer, KC2026 CEO. “We know that we have an entire region ready to step up and show the world what we already know: Kansas City will be the heart of the FIFA World Cup 26™.”
Some highlights of what’s coming in 2025:
- Jan. 27 marks 500 days until the start of the FIFA World Cup 26™.
- RFPs released for Kansas City FIFA Fan Festival™ Event Production, KC2026 marketing agencies and more.
- FIFA World Cup 26™ Kansas City Host City Poster winning design and artist revealed.
- One year until the start of the FIFA World Cup 26™ on June 11.
- Weeklong celebrations, including the launch of official countdown clocks and pop-up events.
- Volunteer portal for the FIFA World Cup 26™ Kansas City opens. Thousands of volunteers will be needed to support the competition. Those interested can sign up for the KC2026 newsletter to receive notifications when the portal opens.
- FIFA World Cup 26™ Kansas City volunteer selections begin.
- Kansas City FIFA Fan Festival™ operating days and hours confirmed.
- Once teams are confirmed, competing squads will submit final selections and preferences for Team Base Camp Locations. Kansas City has three potential Team Base Camp locations.
All milestone dates are subject to change. For more information about KC2026 and the FIFA World Cup 26™, please click here. General media inquiries can be submitted directly to FIFA at media@fifa.org.
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About KC2026
A nonprofit organization overseeing strategy and delivering host city duties for the FIFA World Cup 26™, KC2026 will plan, construct and implement all aspects of Kansas City’s largest sports and fan engagement event in the region’s history. Learn more at www.KansasCityFWC26.com.
About Greater Kansas City
Home to 2.5 million people, Kansas City is a vibrant metro in the heart of the U.S., known as the “KC Heartland.” An all-new single terminal at Kansas City International Airport welcomes guests by air, while 85% of the U.S. is less than a two-day drive away. The region’s red-hot sports culture is embraced every season, headlined by the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, Major League Soccer’s Sporting Kansas City, and the National Women’s Soccer League’s Kansas City Current.
Kansas City, home to renowned arts and culture, offers live entertainment in the downtown Power & Light District, as well as 40 jazz clubs throughout the area. Find food from James Beard award-winning chefs and sample true KC tradition at more than 100 barbecue restaurants across the metro. Dive into some of the country’s most significant historical moments at KC’s treasured institutions, from the National WWI Museum and Memorial and the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the American Jazz Museum. Learn more at www.KC.org.
About The FIFA World Cup 26™
The FIFA World Cup 26™ will be the biggest sporting event ever, with three Host Countries, 16 Host Cities, 48 teams and 104 matches uniting an entire continent to showcase a momentous new tournament format. With more countries, cities, teams, and games, The FIFA World Cup 26™ will be the most inclusive tournament ever, engaging millions of fans across 16 unique stadiums and billions worldwide. The tournament will take place in June and July 2026. For the latest FIFA World Cup 26™ information, please visit the FIFA World Cup 26™ website. For media representatives wishing to stay up to date on all things 2026, please register via the FIFA Media Hub.
CONTACT:
Haley Harrison-Lee
Trozzolo@sportkc.org