FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New “KC Momentum Report” highlights over 531 regional organizations engaged, a 16,000- volunteer applicant surge, and a first-of-its-kind regional event transit system
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (January 12, 2026) – Kansas City is proving that impact isn’t driven by market size, but by ambition, collaboration, heart and community that unites around sports. KC2026, the local organizing committee for the FIFA World Cup 2026TM, released its KC Momentum Report today, highlighting key milestones in a breakthrough year. The report captures a year of decisive progress and extraordinary community engagement in 2025, from the unveiling of the ConnectKC26 transportation plan to more than 16,000 applicants to the volunteer program and unrivaled plans for an exceptional fan experience.
“2025 was the year we proved that our ambition has no ceiling,” said Pam Kramer, Chief Executive Officer of KC2026. “We haven’t just prepared to host a tournament, we have built the partnerships, systems and capacity to propel the region to new heights in the nation and around the world. The momentum highlighted in this report isn’t just about soccer — it’s about a community united to welcome the world with confidence and pride.”
Preparing With Purpose in 2025
The KC Momentum Report demonstrates how the region continued to turn a vision into action over the past year through key initiatives like ConnectKC26, a regional transportation plan to deploy 215 motor coaches to move fans and residents efficiently across the region throughout the tournament. Kansas City was the first Host City to secure bus leases, in February 2025, and the first to expand transportation beyond FIFA™ requirements.
Economic empowerment and community mobilization further defined the year’s progress. KC Game Plan, a regional collaborative of more than 128 small business advocacy organizations are empowering entrepreneurs to pursue FIFA World Cup opportunities in over 11,000 visitor-facing establishments. So far, local businesses have submitted more than 295 Readiness Assessments and 2,400 Business Interest Forms. In addition to the 16,000 people signed up to serve as volunteers during the tournament, more than 531 civic, community and corporate organizations are engaged to welcome visitors with an authentic Kansas City experience.
To keep visitors and residents safe during the tournament, a multi-agency public safety network is working together to plan a safe, secure and seamless event. This includes over 50 local, state and federal agencies collaborating across 18 distinct workstreams to finalize one coordinated security plan.
Welcoming the World in 2026: An Exceptional Fan Experience
Over three weeks in June, Kansas City will host national teams from at least seven countries and four continents, including the defending world champions, Argentina. In addition to four Group Stage matches, Kansas City Stadium will host a FIFA World Cup 2026™ Round of 32 match and a quarterfinal in July. The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is expected to attract 650,000 visitors* to the Kansas City region and generate a direct economic impact exceeding $653 million*.
Residents and visitors alike can look forward to the FIFA Fan Festival™, a free celebration at the National WWI Museum and Memorial, where the community will gather for 18 days to cheer on international soccer teams. Fans attending match days will experience an electric international atmosphere in the loudest stadium in the country. To prepare for performance on the pitch, world-class training facilities across our region are ready to support teams as they compete.
The KC Momentum Report is available here.
*Visit KC estimates 650,000 unique visits based on total visitor days during the duration of the event in the KC area. A “visitor day” is defined as one visitor spending one day (day/overnight) in the destination; the figure will be adjusted further with base camps and other future announcements.
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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, JE Dunn Construction, Purina PetCare, Populous and The University of Kansas Health System. 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 who are helping bring the FIFA World Cup 2026™ to life in Kansas City. Learn more at 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.
About FIFA World Cup 2026™
FIFA World Cup 2026™ 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, FIFA World Cup 2026™ 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 2026™ information, please visit the FIFA World Cup 2026™ website. For media representatives wishing to stay up to date on all things 2026, please register via the FIFA Media Hub.
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