By Blake Aerni
The music could be heard long before Mill Creek Park came into view.
Colombian flags waved above a sea of yellow jerseys as “Vamos Colombia” rang out in Mill Creek Park. Colombian fans brought an energy to Kansas City that couldn’t be ignored by anyone within earshot.
The gathering was a celebration of culture. One of the world’s most passionate fanbases was assembled in Kansas City to continue following their nation during its journey through the World Cup. But more than that, the fans had found a sense of community in America’s Heartland that was established on one principle.
Passion.
“The passion and the way we share our culture is something we can share with other people,” David Leon, a Colombian residing in Washington D.C., said. “There is a community created at every match, in every city you visit.”
The community was on display for everyone at the park on the east side of the Country Club Plaza. Hours before sunset, waves of yellow jerseys filled the area outside the Marriott hotel where the Colombian team would be staying. By the time the team returned from training, thousands of fans had gathered outside the hotel to catch a glimpse of the players, who waved from the balcony to supporters below.
For many supporters, the gathering was a chance to see Colombia’s national team, but it was also an opportunity to experience the world’s biggest celebration of sport alongside others who shared the same passion.
Strangers became friends, and families were draped in yellow and blue beneath “El Tricolor Nacional,” Colombia’s national flag. Fans couldn’t believe they were there, and that Kansas City was hosting their team.
“I’m stunned,” said Juan Valenciano, a New York City native whose parents immigrated from Colombia. “I love what Kansas City has done here with all these Colombians out here. The world is united.”
For many, following the Colombian national team is a family tradition that stretches across generations and borders. Many supporters that made the trip to Kansas City are from Colombia, but many are like Valenciano, Colombian-Americans who have had that national pride passed down to them from another generation.
Kansas City has given those fans a place to connect with their team, and with their culture for a couple of days. A few days that have reminded them what it feels like to be back home.
“My father would say ‘in this house it’s Colombia, outside the door it’s the United States.’” Valenciano said. “He kept the culture alive, and we try to do that with my kids, and my grandkids as well.”
Kansas City became the setting for those reunions and celebrations, creating memories supporters said they will never forget. The chants spilled out of Mill Creek Park as fans filled restaurants in the Country Club Plaza with yellow jerseys and passing cars with Colombian flags hanging out of windows were honking to the tune of the songs being sung.
The region has been home to numerous nations during the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, and each time the city has embraced the different cultures and fanbases with open arms.
Tens of thousands of Dutch national team fans flooded Grand Boulevard for the “Oranje” Fan Walk. Hundreds showed up for England’s first training session in Kansas City. Thousands packed Mill Creek Park when Argentina opened its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, and now Colombia has been welcomed with Midwest hospitality.
“Everyone in Kansas City has been so great,” Valenciano said. “To see what Kansas City has done, from arriving at the airport to here in the park, I was blown away.”
As night fell over Kansas City, the light faded, but yellow still pierced through the darkness as fans continued to sing and dance in anticipation of their national team’s match. The gathering began as a welcome for the Colombian team, but by the end of the night became a celebration of new friendships, Colombian culture and excitement for what was to come for El Tricolor at Kansas City Stadium.
For many, following Colombia at the FIFA World Cup carries a shared sense of pride and community that can be felt anywhere in the world, even in Kansas City.