FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Consulates expected to provide localized support for international visitors during the tournament
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (May 29, 2026) – KC2026, the host committee for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Kansas City, announced plans for a Consular Services Center (CSC) in Overland Park that will provide temporary diplomatic and citizen support services during the tournament. The center will operate June 8–July 13, 2026, at the Overland Park Convention Center and will be accessible via multiple regional transit routes connecting FIFA Fan Festival™ Kansas City, downtown Kansas City and destinations throughout the region.
Participating nations include Algeria, Argentina, Austria, Ecuador, and Netherlands/Curaçao, whose consulates are expected to be on-site during parts of the tournament based on team base camp activity, matches in Kansas City or anticipated visitor demand. They will be providing services to people who have pre-arranged appointments. Additional nations have expressed interest in participating if their teams advance to play in Kansas City during the knockout rounds.
“As we prepare to welcome visitors from North America and around the world, the Consular Services Center is another example of how Kansas City is building a thoughtful and welcoming tournament experience,” said Pam Kramer, CEO of KC2026. “Providing direct access to consular support services helps ensure visitors feel informed, supported and connected while they are here in our region.”
Participating consulates represent countries whose governments expect to attract significant numbers of visitors to the Kansas City region. Services may include emergency passport and travel document assistance, citizen registration, welfare checks, and coordination during medical or legal emergencies. All services will be provided directly by embassy and consular staff.
“We are proud to partner with KC2026 and regional leaders to deliver a welcoming experience that reflects the professionalism and hospitality of our community,” said Curt Skoog, mayor of Overland Park. “The Overland Park Convention Center is uniquely positioned to support visitors during the tournament because of its accessibility, infrastructure and regional connectivity.”
The Convention Center will also serve as the Transportation Hub Welcome Center featuring hospitality and gathering spaces, visitor resources, lawn games and live transportation updates. It will connect travelers to airport service, direct routes to downtown Kansas City and FIFA Fan Festival™ activities, and Johnson County routes providing matchday access to Kansas City Stadium. The Welcome Center will operate daily from June 11 through July 12, 2026, from 8 a.m. to midnight, with extended hours on select event days. Additional route and schedule information will be available onsite and at opconventioncenter.com/transportation-information.
“The Johnson County United transit connection will help visitors move easily between key destinations across our region, including the Convention Center, FIFA Fan Festival™ and other FIFA World Cup 2026™ sites,” said Mike Kelly, chairman of the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners. “We’re proud to provide free transportation between the airport and the Overland Park Convention Center as part of a broader regional effort to make the tournament experience more connected, convenient and accessible for both residents and visitors.”
International visitors seeking assistance should contact their embassy or consulate directly to schedule appointments and confirm service availability. Visitors from countries not represented at the center should continue to use existing embassy and consular channels or seek assistance through the U.S. Department of State and local authorities as appropriate. Contact information for each embassy or consulate is available on the U.S. Department of State’s website.
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About KC2026
A nonprofit organization overseeing strategy and delivering Host City duties for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, KC2026 will plan, construct and implement all aspects of Kansas City’s largest sports and fan engagement event in the region’s history.
KC2026 planning efforts are supported by its Official Kansas City World Cup 2026 Host City Supporters: Black & Veatch, Hallmark, JE Dunn Construction, Purina PetCare, Populous, The University of Kansas Health System, Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals and Sporting Kansas City. These global and regional companies are leaders in their respective industries and represent key sectors of KC’s economy. Host City Supporters are civic and brand partners that are helping bring the FIFA World Cup 2026™ to life in Kansas City. Learn more at KansasCityFWC26.com.
