FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (July 29, 2025) – KC2026 announced today that the board of directors has elected Mark Jorgenson to the role of president, succeeding Karen Daniel. The board also recognized Daniel’s contributions and continuing support of the organization, naming her past president.
Daniel, who has served as president of the KC2026 Board of Directors since the organization was formed, was instrumental in setting the foundation for Kansas City’s World Cup preparation, guiding KC2026 through critical startup efforts around organizational design, staffing, stakeholder engagement and key workstream planning.
“It has been an incredible honor and privilege to serve as president of the KC2026 Board of Directors,” Daniel said. “My commitment to Kansas City and its success remains unwavering, and I am confident the region is well-positioned to rise to the moment of hosting the World Cup. I look forward to cheering on the team and celebrating our collective success next summer.”
Jorgenson, a retired financial services executive, will succeed Daniel as president. Jorgenson brings a wealth of leadership experience from his distinguished career as executive vice president and head of community banking for U.S. Bank, following two decades as market president in Kansas City.
“As I step into this role, I am humbled and eager to get to work on behalf of our region,” said Jorgenson. “Thanks to leaders like Karen Daniel, Kansas City is well-positioned to showcase our city’s unique spirit and hospitality to the world next summer. I look forward to engaging the business and civic community in support of our efforts.”
KC2026 CEO Pam Kramer expressed gratitude for both leaders.
“We are immensely grateful to Karen for her visionary leadership and tireless dedication to KC2026,” said Kramer. “Her impact has been profound, and she leaves the board in a strong position. We also extend a warm welcome to Mark Jorgenson as our new president. Mark understands Kansas City through extensive executive and civic leadership experience and will guide us through the final stages of our World Cup preparations.”
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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 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 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:
Jenny Stasi
media@kansascityfwc26.com
